SANDPAPERY Synonyms: 52 Similar and Opposite Words

sandpapery

adjective

Definition of sandpapery

as in scratchy

Related Words

Relevance

Dissimilar 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 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

Adjective

Expect a gritty or scratchy feeling, burning, itching, redness, blurred vision during tasks and the sense that something is stuck in the eye.

— Samantha Agate, Sacbee.com, 19 Oct. 2026
Every fall wardrobe needs a denim jacket, and this design feels smooth and stretchy rather than stiff and scratchy.

— Better Homes & Gardens, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of scratchy

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

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

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

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Sandpapery.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sandpapery. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of sandpapery

adjective

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

grotesque

Popular in Grammar & Usage

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Popular in Wordplay

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Why do we 'bury the lede?'

'Za' and 9 Other Words to Help You Win at SCRABBLE

Popular

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Games & Quizzes