abrasive

adjective

ə-ˈbrā-siv How to pronounce abrasive (audio)
Definition of abrasivenext
as in annoying
causing annoyance an abrasive display of rude behavior

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of abrasive But the confidence of this hard pivot and the thrillingly oddball noise construction absolutely hail from the same world as QT and SOPHIE’s exquisitely abrasive 2015 compilation, Product. — Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 24 July 2026 For Yard Act’s 2022 debut, The Overload, the quartet chiseled flamboyant caricatures of British life and portrayed their flawed country with an abrasive, punishing tone. — Victoria Borlando, Pitchfork, 24 July 2026 Never use abrasive cleaning tools or abrasive detergents as that can wear down the PTFE coating on your grill mat. — Bestreviews, Mercury News, 23 July 2026 Those qualities matter in an everyday folder, where the blade may encounter tape adhesive, moisture, abrasive cardboard, food residue, and long periods in a pocket between cleanings. — New Atlas, 21 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for abrasive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for abrasive
  1. annoying
  2. irritating
  3. frustrating
  4. disturbing
Adjective
  • Of course, the list of invertebrates include mosquitoes, gnats, yellow flies, ticks and other biting pests, which are most annoying June through August but can be nuisances at other times of the year.
    — Charles Seabrook, AJC.com, 25 July 2026
  • That gets into the very annoying realization that some infinities are bigger than other infinities, which is mathematically true and conceptually uncomfortable.
    — Michael Schneider, Variety, 24 July 2026
Definition of annoying
Adjective
  • December 22 – January 19 A small adjustment could make your whole day less irritating.
    — Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 19 July 2026
  • The irritating and inflammatory nature of the smog caused hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers to become short of breath or to develop symptoms from underlying heart disease.
    — Rebecca Florsheim, STAT, 17 July 2026
Definition of irritating
Adjective
  • But this approach just keeps you stuck on a frustrating conflict merry-go-round.
    — Sabrina Romanoff, CNBC, 30 July 2026
  • After another frustrating series loss, pressure continues to mount on the front office to find upgrades capable of jump-starting a lineup with postseason aspirations.
    — Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026
Definition of frustrating
Adjective
  • In a handwritten criminal complaint, Patty’s ex-wife described a disturbing physical altercation that allegedly left her with a swollen arm, neck pain and a bump on her head.
    — Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 30 July 2026
  • The 1981 film revolves around a woman who begins exhibiting increasingly disturbing behavior after asking her husband for a divorce.
    — Justin Kroll, Deadline, 29 July 2026
Definition of disturbing

Browse Nearby Words

abrasions
abrasive
abreast
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Cite this Entry

“Abrasive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/abrasive. Accessed 2 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on abrasive

Nglish: Translation of abrasive for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about abrasive

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