Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Showing results for abrasive. Search instead for nonabrasiv.
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.

He is a big, abrasive scrummager - his line-out darts are maybe his weakest area.

From BBC • Mar. 16, 2026

Some found him abrasive and unpleasant to work with.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 20, 2026

And despite the abrasive whir of machinery nearby, on this Monday afternoon, the sound of children laughing cut through the noise.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 27, 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

The abrasive Atlantic winds and the salt of the sea would eventually cleanse my soul.

From "The City Beautiful" by Aden Polydoros