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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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 Suede styles were made for abrasive climates, hailed for their comfort and flexibility. — Amina Ayoud, Footwear News, 6 Sep. 2026 The act of brushing removes food debris and plaque from your teeth and gums; toothpaste contains abrasive ingredients to help do that job more efficiently. — Hannah Harper, HEALTH, 6 Sep. 2026 Drawings in metalpoint must be made on paper coated with a slightly abrasive ground, which is often tinted. — Jeffrey Weiss, Artforum, 1 Sep. 2026 Next, brush the surfaces with a non-abrasive scrub brush or a microfiber cloth, focusing on edges and grout lines, Williams says. — Michelle Mastro, The Spruce, 31 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for abrasive

Recent Examples of Synonyms for abrasive

Adjective

Yes, some of those fans are incredibly annoying—and some of those people aren’t even fans.

— Corey Seymour, Vogue, 4 Sep. 2026
Would Berman, then 49 years old, care about the project, or would the superstar personality treat it as an annoying burden thrust on him by his employer’s media arrangement?

— Dan Bernstein, Sportico.com, 4 Sep. 2026

Definition of annoying

Adjective

Both can get the job done, but chemical exfoliants may be too irritating for those with sensitive skin or excessively dry scalps.

— Brigitt Earley, Glamour, 14 Sep. 2026
Despite its splashy unveiling, Project Zenith is more about making the OS less irritating for developers than adding any groundbreaking capabilities.

— Chris Hoffman, PC Magazine, 9 Sep. 2026

Definition of irritating

Adjective

For general appreciators, the series’ excesses and redundancies are likely to be frustrating, as are its frequent lack of focus and general sense of over-sanitization.

— Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 17 Sep. 2026
Indeed, Infiniti’s wide-eyed portrait of a prodigy is equal parts inspired and frustrating.

— Matt Donnelly, Variety, 16 Sep. 2026

Definition of frustrating

Adjective

More than a month after Perez Hilton appeared in a disturbing livestream appearing to engage in acts of self-harm at this Miami-area home, his family is addressing the rumor mill.

— Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 16 Sep. 2026
As tensions rise and boundaries begin to blur, their grandmother’s frail presence takes on an increasingly disturbing quality, turning a once-idyllic summer into a haunting passage into adulthood.

— Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 14 Sep. 2026

Definition of disturbing

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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 20 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of abrasive

adjective

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