ABRASIVE Synonyms: 59 Similar and Opposite Words

abrasive

adjective

ə-ˈbrā-siv

Definition of abrasive

as in annoying

causing annoyance an abrasive display of rude behavior

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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 Chase has long had a reputation in Hollywood for being difficult to work with, with multiple former co-stars and collaborators alleging abrasive, confrontational and inappropriate behavior over the years. — Janelle Ash, FOXNews.com, 28 July 2026 What Not To Use Abrasive Sponges Avoid scrubbing the microwave’s interior with rough materials like steel wool or abrasive sponges. — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 26 July 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for abrasive

Recent Examples of Synonyms for abrasive

Adjective

In The Athletic’s anonymous annual player poll, he has been voted the NFL’s biggest trash talker and most annoying player.

— Tim Graham, New York Times, 1 Aug. 2026
The problem is with my stepson’s parents-in-law, both of whom are lovely but annoying.

— R. Eric Thomas, Mercury News, 29 July 2026

Definition of annoying

Adjective

Like nails on a chalkboard, whining—an irritating blend of talking and crying—has the ability to make almost any parent either lose their temper or cave.

— Debby Waldman, Parents, 3 Aug. 2026
In fact, this is where our motivations become personal and perhaps even slightly irritating, especially if repressed emotions or sensitivities rise to the surface.

— Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 1 Aug. 2026

Definition of irritating

Adjective

What’s frustrating is the capacity to end voter registration already exists.

— Ellen Kurz, New York Daily News, 6 Aug. 2026
Though Gakpo was a frustrating watch at times throughout last season at Liverpool, his nose for a goalscoring opportunity cannot be denied.

— Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 5 Aug. 2026

Definition of frustrating

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abrasions

abrasive

abreast

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“Abrasive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/abrasive. Accessed 8 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of abrasive

adjective

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