as in annoying
causing annoyance
an abrasive display of rude behavior
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of abrasive
While Hollywood’s earlier studio chiefs could be abrasive, their successors today are at once more polished and less available.
—
Peter Bart, Deadline, 26 Mar. 2026
These are non-abrasive and can help restore the gentle shine on your flooring.
—Dan Simms, USA Today, 23 Mar. 2026
But Atre, who could be abrasive and abusive, made a lot of enemies.
—Stuart Miller, Oc Register, 18 Mar. 2026
Juvenile bliss had long contoured this abrasive band, whose songs rattled like playgrounds, and whose shouts rang like the peals of petulant children.
—Samuel Hyland, Pitchfork, 17 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for abrasive
Peter Bart, Deadline, 26 Mar. 2026
These are non-abrasive and can help restore the gentle shine on your flooring.
—Dan Simms, USA Today, 23 Mar. 2026
But Atre, who could be abrasive and abusive, made a lot of enemies.
—Stuart Miller, Oc Register, 18 Mar. 2026
Juvenile bliss had long contoured this abrasive band, whose songs rattled like playgrounds, and whose shouts rang like the peals of petulant children.
—Samuel Hyland, Pitchfork, 17 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for abrasive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for abrasive
Adjective
-
Each individual increase feels tolerable – annoying, maybe, but not catastrophic.—
Staff Report,
Hartford Courant,
29 Mar. 2026
-
The consequences of all this information range from mildly annoying to very serious.—
Larry Magid,
Mercury News,
26 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
In both Dream Scenario and The Drama, Borgli sides with the maligned, framing those who cast judgment as shrewish and needling (exemplified in The Drama with a deliciously irritating performance from Alana Haim).—
Fran Hoepfner,
Vulture,
31 Mar. 2026
-
Here's where things get a bit irritating.—
Justin Pot,
PC Magazine,
13 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Instead of posing questions about geography or world affairs, the test asked him to tackle hypothetical situations, from the frustrating to the dangerous.—
David D. Kirkpatrick,
New Yorker,
30 Mar. 2026
-
Travelers said the long lines have been frustrating and are looking forward to TSA officers getting paid again.—
Eva Andersen,
CBS News,
30 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Most disturbing, the largest net loss of IRS filers continues to be among young adults.—
Editorial,
Boston Herald,
29 Mar. 2026
-
So, yes, Reingold’s story identified some disturbing failures.—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
29 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Abrasive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/abrasive. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.
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