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

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 Dummy’s third full-length release tasks itself with offering an affirmation of life, spelled out in no uncertain terms through the thwack of DnB drumlines, abrasive distortion, and incisive songwriting. — Sue Park, Pitchfork, 22 Oct. 2026 Gabe, all of 16 years old — not that Carla could remember that off the top of her head — is abrasive and bright. — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 16 Oct. 2026 Someone who people think is abrasive and is screaming ‘Love me,’ but punching people at the same time. — David Fear, Rolling Stone, 13 Oct. 2026 The ancient Greeks’ grooming was not limited to hair and beards; men used lotion from head to toe, often multiple times a day, and abrasive powders to brush their teeth. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 9 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for abrasive

Recent Examples of Synonyms for abrasive

Adjective

After five years in development at Retro Studios, the original makers of the Metroid Prime series, fans were greeted with annoying side characters, a bike for Samus to roam the barren landscape on, and a deeply unsatisfying ending.

— Daryl Baxter, Space.com, 1 Nov. 2026
The truth, and its handling, hangs over the show, which must be annoying for those involved, and simultaneously is why many people bought tickets.

— Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 30 Oct. 2026

Definition of annoying

Adjective

But the current debate begins, like so many irritating conversations, with the 2016 election.

— David Weigel, semafor.com, 2 Nov. 2026
The process is used to transform raw, localized ingredients — such as rice, but also honey and soybeans — into more potent but non-irritating formulas that target cellular turnover and provide deep hydration by penetrating the skin more effectively.

— Kati Chitrakorn, Vogue, 30 Oct. 2026

Definition of irritating

Adjective

Gainey could not be reached for comment, but while the current O'Connor administration has been cooperating with investigators, Chief of Staff Dann Gilman said these revelations are disturbing.

— Andy Sheehan, CBS News, 4 Nov. 2026
Even at their most disturbing, scenes describing carnage tend to be colorful and amusing.

— Matthew Jacobs, Vulture, 30 Oct. 2026

Definition of disturbing

Browse Nearby Words

abrasions

abrasive

abreast

See all Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

Style

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

Copy Citation

Synonyms of abrasive

adjective

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on abrasive

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

cockamamie

Popular in Grammar & Usage

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Popular in Wordplay

Great Big List of Beautiful and Useless Words, Vol. 5

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

7 Words for Old-Timey Vehicles

The Words of the Week - Nov. 6

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Popular

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

Great Big List of Beautiful and Useless Words, Vol. 5

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Games & Quizzes