abusive
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.
These measures, enacted by more than half the states, shielded children from a discredited and abusive practice that fails to achieve its aims while inflicting serious, lasting psychological harms.
From Slate • Mar. 31, 2026
Greenpeace categorically rejects the accusations, denouncing the proceedings as abusive and a means to silence dissent.
From Barron's • Feb. 27, 2026
The rule states that there should be no behaviour that is "improper, offensive, violent, threatening, abusive, indecent, insulting or provocative".
From BBC • Feb. 25, 2026
An important study from Australia found that in the last few decades we have really lowered the threshold to what is labeled harmful, abusive, traumatizing and neglectful behavior.
From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 11, 2026
“You can say anything you want if you don’t get abusive about it. I just don’t feel like a workout this morning. I mean it.”
From "Franny and Zooey" by J. D. Salinger
Vocabulary lists containing abusive
Workshop 1, Part 1
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
"Only Daughter" and "Calling a Foul"
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Florida's B.E.S.T. Common Suffixes: -ive, -ative, -itive
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
