sandpapery

adjective

Definition of sandpaperynext
as in scratchy

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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 sandpapery Plain old dryness tends to be more widespread, showing up as flaking, scaling, tightness, or an overall sandpapery texture without those distinct follicular plugs. — Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 19 Sep. 2026 Building on the bones of Detroit techno and electro, his best records are hallucinogenic portals into worlds made out of 8-bit textures, rusty bleeps, and the occasional forlorn piano or sandpapery vocal sample. — Andrew Ryce, Pitchfork, 9 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sandpapery
  1. scratchy
  2. scraggly
  3. knobby
  4. harsh
  5. nubby
  6. nubbly
  7. knurled
Adjective
  • The look is crisp, angular, and metallic, with lots of straight lines and slender silhouettes, and sits in pleasing contrast alongside luscious velvet and scratchy linen, rough stone, warm terracotta, or grainy timber.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Sep. 2026
  • Winning ugly has become a kind of superpower for her, in the years when scratchy form emerged more often than not.
    — Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026
Definition of scratchy
Adjective
  • There were people in military uniforms and young men with long hair and scraggly beards.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 8 Oct. 2026
  • In a particularly Ethan Hunt-ish twist, the actor wears a rubbery disguise—a potbellied suit, a scraggly gray comb-over, and a smattering of old-guy makeup.
    — Justin Chang, New Yorker, 30 Sep. 2026
Definition of scraggly
Adjective
  • To accommodate the taller stance and heavier rolling resistance of the knobby tires, engineers recalibrated the steering, anti-lock braking system and Dynamic Stability Control.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 9 Oct. 2026
  • Punctuated by stripes and slim, knobby legs, this whimsical seating looks like something Tim Burton would dream up for your next happy hour.
    — Kelly Dawson, Architectural Digest, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of knobby
Adjective
  • Growing up under the harsh system of segregation influenced Pillay's interest in human rights and the law.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 10 Oct. 2026
  • Growing up under the harsh system of segregation influenced Pillay’s interest in human rights and the law.
    — Stefanie Dazio, Los Angeles Times, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of harsh
Adjective
  • This sofa, upholstered in a nubby textile, similar to boucle or chenille fabric, is a structured alternative to the boneless couches running amok on Amazon—but it’s designed to be just as comfortable.
    — Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Rigatoni is our shape of choice for this recipe—its wide opening captures the nubby bits of sausage while its ridges hold onto the light, almost-creamy sauce.
    — Martha Stewart, Martha Stewart, 23 Aug. 2026
Definition of nubby
Adjective
  • Lifting the lid revealed a small tart topped with a tongue of Spanish sea urchin, resting on a nubbly bed of cancha nuts.
    — Brock Keeling, Oc Register, 22 Sep. 2025
Definition of nubbly
Adjective
  • The knurled bezels and light-up elements are a nice touch, and future owners will surely find the cabin luxurious and comfortable.
    — Jerry Perez, The Drive, 23 Sep. 2026
  • But its knurled Smart Dial acts as a scroll wheel for books, web pages, and other content – offering a much more intuitive way to read with one hand.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 25 May 2026
Definition of knurled

Browse Nearby Words

sandpapers
sandpapery
sands
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Cite this Entry

“Sandpapery.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sandpapery. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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