Abrasive — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adjective noun /ə-ˈbrā-siv/ abra·sive

Meaning & Definition of Abrasive

Abrasive (adjective)

  1. causing damage, wear, or removal of surface material by grinding or rubbing, tending to abrade
  2. causing irritation

Abrasive (noun)

  1. a substance (such as emery or pumice) used for abrading, smoothing, or polishing

Abrasive (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. causing annoyance

    "an abrasive display of rude behavior"

    similar: aggravating, annoying, bothersome, carking, chafing, disturbing, exasperating, frustrating, galling, irksome, irritating, maddening, nettlesome, nettling, peeving, pesky, pestiferous, pestilent, pestilential, pesty, plaguey, rankling, rebarbative, riling, vexatious, vexing
    related: burdensome, discomforting, displeasing, disquieting, distressing, importunate, importune, inconveniencing, angering, enraging, infuriating, brattish, bratty, mischievous, offensive, troublesome, upsetting, distractive, painful, stressful, tiresome, troubling, trying, worrisome, biting, grating, jangling, jarring, spiny, thorny
    near: delightful, pleasing

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Abrasive

The most common words with a similar meaning to Abrasive:

aggravating, annoying, bothersome, carking, chafing, disturbing, exasperating, frustrating, galling, irksome, irritating, maddening, nettlesome, nettling, peeving, pesky, pestiferous, pestilent, pestilential, pesty, plaguey, rankling, rebarbative, riling, vexatious, vexing

Related Words for Abrasive

burdensome, discomforting, displeasing, disquieting, distressing, importunate, importune, inconveniencing, angering, enraging, infuriating, brattish, bratty, mischievous, offensive, troublesome, upsetting, distractive, painful, stressful, tiresome, troubling, trying, worrisome, biting, grating, jangling, jarring, spiny, thorny

Near Antonyms of Abrasive

delightful, pleasing

Word Forms of Abrasive

Derived words: abrasively (adverb), abrasiveness (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Abrasive

Latin abrāsus, past participle of abrādere "to scrape off, abrade" + -ive

First known use: 1601

Frequently Asked Questions about Abrasive

What does "Abrasive" mean?

"Abrasive" means causing damage, wear, or removal of surface material by grinding or rubbing, tending to abrade. As an an adjective and a noun, it is defined as: causing damage, wear, or removal of surface material by grinding or rubbing, tending to abrade.

What is another word for "Abrasive"?

Other words for "Abrasive" include aggravating, annoying, bothersome, carking, chafing, disturbing, exasperating and frustrating. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Abrasive" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Abrasive"?

There are 56 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Abrasive". Common alternatives include aggravating, annoying, bothersome, carking, chafing, disturbing, exasperating, frustrating, galling and irksome.

How do you use "Abrasive" in a sentence?

Examples of "Abrasive" in a sentence: "an abrasive display of rude behavior".

Is "Abrasive" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Abrasive" can be used as an adjective and a noun, depending on the context.

How do you pronounce "Abrasive"?

"Abrasive" is pronounced /ə-ˈbrā-siv/ and divided into syllables as abra·sive.

What is the origin of the word "Abrasive"?

"Abrasive" comes from Latin abrāsus, past participle of abrādere "to scrape off, abrade" + -ive. First known use: 1601.

What is another word for "Abrasive" meaning "causing annoyance"?

When "Abrasive" (adjective) means causing annoyance, synonyms include aggravating, annoying, bothersome, carking, chafing and disturbing.