as in annoying
causing annoyance
an abrasive display of rude behavior
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
On the other, equally abrasive side of my family tree are my Indian grandparents, who split their time between the Upper East Side and Delhi where their friends the Nairs lived.
—
Romen Borsellino, New York Daily News, 24 June 2025
The plastic is soft and scratches easily under the abrasive pressure of stainless steel.
—Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 June 2025
But hair styling tools often come with higher stakes: A misstep can leave your hair brittle and prone to breakage due to factors like heat damage and abrasive friction.
—Olivia Cigliano, Footwear News, 12 June 2025
His abrasive style eventually wore thin — the kids were grown up with kids of their own and no longer needed browbeating and grievances aired in press conferences.
—Troy Renck, Denver Post, 6 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for abrasive
Romen Borsellino, New York Daily News, 24 June 2025
The plastic is soft and scratches easily under the abrasive pressure of stainless steel.
—Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 June 2025
But hair styling tools often come with higher stakes: A misstep can leave your hair brittle and prone to breakage due to factors like heat damage and abrasive friction.
—Olivia Cigliano, Footwear News, 12 June 2025
His abrasive style eventually wore thin — the kids were grown up with kids of their own and no longer needed browbeating and grievances aired in press conferences.
—Troy Renck, Denver Post, 6 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for abrasive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for abrasive
Adjective
-
Josh — Earnings season is super annoying for trend-following investment strategies.—
Josh Brown,Sean Russo,
CNBC,
14 July 2025
-
After witnesses identified him as the man who made the gestures, he was arrested and booked into Santa Clara County jail on charges of contacting a minor with intent to commit a lewd act and annoying or molesting a child.—
Jason Green,
Mercury News,
12 July 2025
Adjective
-
If certain emulsifiers are especially gentle on the gut, the food industry could use them to replace the ones that might be more irritating.—
Yasmin Tayag,
The Atlantic,
25 June 2025
-
But, there are also some unnecessary (potentially irritating) extras—eucalyptus oil, parfum, and benzyl alcohol.—
Boutayna Chokrane,
Wired News,
24 June 2025
Adjective
-
That said, diving into AI without a plan can be frustrating.—
Janet Lam,
Forbes.com,
21 July 2025
-
The delays were frustrating, made more complicated by hospitalizations and evaluations that didn’t always address the root of what Avery was experiencing.—
Ashley Vega,
People.com,
21 July 2025
Adjective
-
Scientists have found a new way to cheat the system – which is both ingenious and disturbing.—
Cornelia C. Walther,
Forbes.com,
12 July 2025
-
Multiple bullet-shell casings were left strewn on the ground near the disturbing scene outside the New York City Housing Authority development.—
Nicholas Williams,
New York Daily News,
10 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Abrasive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/abrasive. Accessed 24 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share