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
Toughness in a man can be seen as abrasive or off-putting in a women.
—
Los Angeles Times, 3 June 2026
Saliba’s defensive contributions are less abrasive than Gabriel’s.
—Art De Roché, New York Times, 2 June 2026
Here, one of the most controversial and abrasive men in comedy gets a documentary about his fascinating career.
—Brianna Zigler, Entertainment Weekly, 1 June 2026
According to Orengo, a washcloth is less abrasive, can dry better between showers, and can be cleaned more often.
—Colleen Murphy, Health, 27 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for abrasive
Los Angeles Times, 3 June 2026
Saliba’s defensive contributions are less abrasive than Gabriel’s.
—Art De Roché, New York Times, 2 June 2026
Here, one of the most controversial and abrasive men in comedy gets a documentary about his fascinating career.
—Brianna Zigler, Entertainment Weekly, 1 June 2026
According to Orengo, a washcloth is less abrasive, can dry better between showers, and can be cleaned more often.
—Colleen Murphy, Health, 27 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for abrasive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for abrasive
Adjective
-
That particularly could be annoying to Uruguay supporters, given Messi’s stature in the sport overall and in particular with defending champion Argentina, La Celeste’s biggest rival.—
Andrew Greif,
NBC news,
16 June 2026
-
It’s widely considered rude and annoying when people cluster by the train doors if there are more people on the platform attempting to get on.—
Claudia Fisher,
Travel + Leisure,
15 June 2026
Adjective
-
More importantly, chemical fumes can become stronger and more irritating when heated, posing risks if your garage is connected to the house.—
Mary Cornetta,
Better Homes & Gardens,
7 June 2026
-
The most irritating part of many AI tools is that outputs are a black box that wander, lack controllable reproducibility and often reinterpret creative direction.—
Ron Schmelzer,
Forbes.com,
3 June 2026
Adjective
-
Norwegian Epic is awkward, distinctive and sometimes frustrating.—
David Nikel,
Forbes.com,
14 June 2026
-
The cancellation was frustrating enough, but this comes across as incredibly dismissive of the fans who support your career.—
Ashley Hume,
FOXNews.com,
14 June 2026
Adjective
-
The decision reignites one of the most disturbing trials in recent years – a tale full of drug abuse, domestic violence, false testimony and a missing 5-year-old girl.—
Eric Levenson,
CNN Money,
11 June 2026
-
Some clips, showing officers performing rapid and intense chest compressions on Lucy, were so disturbing that members of her family left the courtroom in tears.—
David Goodhue,
Miami Herald,
10 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Abrasive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/abrasive. Accessed 17 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
