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Definitions

abrasive

[uh-brey-siv, -ziv] / əˈbreɪ sɪv, -zɪv /


NOUN
substance for polishing
Synonyms
STRONGEST
STRONG


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

They often abandon traditional pop music structures, they don’t shy away from abrasive arrangements, and Ayewa’s lyricism speaks directly to the soul.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 31, 2026

Prasad is facing several personnel complaints from staff who found him abrasive and hard to work with, and taxpayers are paying for his commute from California to the FDA’s Maryland headquarters, The Journal has reported.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 6, 2026

Delivering in more big European games will make it hard for Borthwick to keep overlooking the number eight, who has an abrasive style that differs from the current dynamic England ball carriers.

From BBC • Jan. 9, 2026

As Martin, Charles stiffens himself and keeps his facial expressions generally between neutral and annoyed, though he’s softer than Clunes, less a prisoner of his own body, less abrasive, less otherworldly.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 4, 2026

He’d spent time with Nixon and found him abrasive and inflexible.

From "Fallout: Spies, Superbombs, and the Ultimate Cold War Showdown" by Steve Sheinkin




Vocabulary lists containing abrasive