abra·sive
ə-ˈbrā-siv 
-ziv
1
: causing damage, wear, or removal of surface material by grinding or rubbing : tending to abrade
abrasive compounds for whitening teeth
an abrasive surface
2
: causing irritation
abrasive manners
an abrasive personality
abrasively
adverb
abrasiveness
noun
: a substance (such as emery or pumice) used for abrading, smoothing, or polishing
used an abrasive for polishing the rough stones
Synonyms
Adjective
Examples of abrasive in a Sentence
Adjective
The waves had an abrasive action on the rocks.
an abrasive display of rude behavior
Recent Examples on the Web
Madeline Holcombe, CNN, 4 Feb. 2024
In fact, showrunner Sheridan told The Hollywood Reporter that Paramount urged him to soften Beth's character, fearing that she would be seen as abrasive and unlikeable.
—Danny Horn, EW.com, 20 Jan. 2024
See all Example Sentences for abrasive 
Adjective
Just a damp, abrasive sponge or cloth and some baking soda can clean bathtub rings.
—Madeline Holcombe, CNN, 4 Feb. 2024
In fact, showrunner Sheridan told The Hollywood Reporter that Paramount urged him to soften Beth's character, fearing that she would be seen as abrasive and unlikeable.
—Danny Horn, EW.com, 20 Jan. 2024
See all Example Sentences for abrasive
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'abrasive.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near abrasive
Cite this Entry
“Abrasive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/abrasive. Accessed 4 May. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
abrasive
1 of 2 adjective
abra·sive
ə-ˈbrā-siv
-ziv
: having the effect of abrading
abrasively
adverb
abrasiveness
noun
abrasive
2 of 2 noun
: a substance (as sand) used for grinding, smoothing, or polishing
Medical Definition
abrasive
1 of 2 adjective
abra·sive
ə-ˈbrā-siv
-ziv
-ziv
: tending to abrade
an abrasive substance
abrasiveness
noun
abrasive
2 of 2 noun
: a substance (as emery or pumice) used for abrading, smoothing, or polishing
called also abradant
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