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 Before using anything abrasive or a stronger cleaner, check the item’s care instructions. — Jessica Safavimehr, Southern Living, 17 Sep. 2026 However, harsh cleaners, abrasive tools, and excess moisture can damage their finish or markings. — Jamie Cuccinelli, Martha Stewart, 17 Sep. 2026 Combine with abrasive soaps or products containing alcohol, benzoyl peroxide, resorcinol, sulfur or tretinoin. — Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 Sep. 2026 Her boss, Nora (Quincy Tyler Bernstine), who likes to fill her water bottle at work with liquor, is tough, frustrated, sometimes abrasive and often hilarious. — Bill Goodykoontz, AZCentral.com, 8 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for abrasive

Recent Examples of Synonyms for abrasive

Adjective

Ready to go to South America and see some capybaras annoying tweens?

— Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 17 Sep. 2026
In May, Cloobeck was arrested and charged with three counts of attempting to dissuade a witness from testifying and one count of harassment for making annoying phone calls, according to a criminal complaint.

— Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 17 Sep. 2026

Definition of annoying

Adjective

That tiny gesture may explain why secret copying can feel especially irritating.

— Alesandra Dubin, Glamour, 17 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

What age should a kid get a phone There isn’t one clean answer to the age question, and that can feel frustrating when your kid’s friends already have phones.

— Ashley Lynch, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Sep. 2026
Asked about the most frustrating part of the job, 30 percent chose sourcing, just behind the 33 percent who chose photographing and listing items.

— Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 24 Sep. 2026

Definition of frustrating

Adjective

French President Emanuel Macron delivered a briefing to the candidates running to succeed him so disturbing that even the far-right National Rally’s leaders emerged denouncing Russian hybrid attacks.

— Ben Smith, semafor.com, 21 Sep. 2026
The 72-year-old Cuban widow filed for temporary custody shortly after the disturbing incident.

— Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 21 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 26 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of abrasive

adjective

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