Synonyms of abrasive

abrasive

adjective

ə-ˈbrā-siv 

as in annoying

causing annoyance

an abrasive display of rude behavior

Synonyms & Similar Words

• annoying
• irritating
• frustrating
• disturbing
• aggravating
• exasperating
• irksome
• maddening
• vexatious
• painful
• bothersome
• vexing
• nettlesome
• pestilential
• rebarbative
• pestiferous
• pesky
• distractive
• galling
• nettling
• pesty
• pestilent
• chafing
• peeving
• riling
• stressful
• biting
• carking
• plaguey
• rankling
• infuriating
• troublesome
• mischievous
• offensive
• burdensome
• displeasing
• troubling
• importunate
• upsetting
• discomforting
• disquieting
• distressing
• tiresome
• enraging
• brattish
• bratty
• grating
• jarring
• angering
• spiny
• inconveniencing
• worrisome
• trying
• thorny
• importune
• jangling

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• delightful
• pleasing

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of abrasive

These scrubbing pads are a bit more abrasive than a traditional kitchen sponge, but they’re meant to be used on glass stovetops. — Brittany Vanderbill, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 July 2026

Check if the drip pans are removable and safe for soaking or scrubbing, as some materials can scratch or warp with harsh cleaners or abrasive pads, according to Stein. — Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 11 July 2026

Wor$t Girl embraces dirt and dark thoughts alongside abrasive tones, giving its euphoric hooks weight, as though a wild night out is almost crucial to the artist’s well-being. — Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 8 July 2026

The process converts solid rock directly into vapor, allowing drilling to continue into geological formations that are too hot and abrasive for traditional equipment. — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 7 July 2026

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