grating 1 of 2

Definition of gratingnext
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grating

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verb

present participle of grate
1
2
as in scratching
to pass roughly and noisily over or against a surface the sled grated along the bare pavement

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

3
as in scraping
to press or strike against or together so as to make a scraping sound he grated the pieces of metal together

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 grating
Adjective
Imagine the most grating podcast advert in the world. Frank Landymore, Futurism, 30 Apr. 2026 His behavior was so grating that even host Rece Davis, the normally stoic straightman, got into a shouting match with Kiper. Austin Perry Outkick, FOXNews.com, 22 Apr. 2026
Verb
And this episode feels like the power dynamics are really pushing and grating against each other within Ormund and Daeron’s relationship. Jennifer Maas, Variety, 27 July 2026 This rechargeable version comes with three different-sized blades for grating a variety of hard cheese. Mark Marino, Travel + Leisure, 27 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for grating
Recent Examples of Synonyms for grating
Adjective
  • They are literally made loud enough to rally troops from a long distance.
    Brian Moylan, Vulture, 19 Aug. 2026
  • The actual blast of the ram’s horn is loud, but not loud enough to rouse me from my stress blackout.
    Risa Polansky Shiman, Sun Sentinel, 19 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Workers also reported hoarse voices, chronic coughs and asthma-like symptoms.
    Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 12 Aug. 2026
  • When 39 days of elite physical punishment concluded with stadium lights dimming across North America, millions of fans limped away from watch parties with hoarse voices and sore feet.
    Lilian Raji, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Kids in all three countries loved learning dances from TikTok and annoying their siblings.
    Ryan Lenora Brown, Christian Science Monitor, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Of course, this would depend on whether the managers choose to pick their strongest teams in what for some is a meaningless, even annoying extra fixture, for squads who just want to go home.
    Eduardo Tansley, New York Times, 18 July 2026
Verb
  • The selloff in exchange stocks has execs in Chicago and New York scratching their heads, according to on and off-the-record conversations with executives.
    Oliver Renick, CNBC, 21 Aug. 2026
  • John DeBacker The kitten was surprised and tried to put up a fight, meowing, scratching and trying to get loose before DeBacker put it in a crate.
    Alexa Herrera, CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • According to the waiter, even a request as simple as removing cheese from a burger might result in the kitchen scraping it off rather than preparing an entirely new burger.
    Meena Thiruvengadam, Travel + Leisure, 17 Aug. 2026
  • With the sprightly energy of a schoolboy, Jean-Paul Doron bounds into an empty creek, his red suede shoes scraping pale rocks.
    Dominique Soguel, Christian Science Monitor, 14 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • It has been said that the Moon is a harsh mistress, and nowhere is this more apparent than at the lunar south pole.
    Space.com Staff, Space.com, 22 Aug. 2026
  • Maybe, then, Bohm is a lesson for even the harshest skeptics.
    Matt Gelb, New York Times, 22 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • When Duffy walked out humbly to the stage, with a gentle handwave and smile, Dupree removed his cap atop his long rocker ponytail, put his gruff hand on Duffy’s lean shoulder and asked the crowd for a moment of silence.
    Angela George, Sioux Falls Argus Leader, 16 Aug. 2026
  • Tyler Hoechlin will play her love interest, Brendan, a gruff fishing boat captain.
    Clare Mulroy, USA Today, 15 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Be sure to use a fragrance-free, gentle detergent to avoid irritating sensitive skin with any residue.
    Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Aug. 2026
  • There’s something uniquely irritating about being forced to listen to whatever a stranger has decided to watch on their phone.
    Angela Haupt, Time, 17 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Grating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/grating. Accessed 25 Aug. 2026.

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