abrasive

[ uh-brey-siv, -ziv ]

See synonyms for abrasive on Thesaurus.com

noun

any material or substance used for grinding, polishing, etc., as emery, pumice, or sandpaper.

adjective

tending to abrade; causing abrasion; abrading.
tending to annoy or cause ill will; overly aggressive: an abrasive personality.

Origin of abrasive

1870–75; <Latin abrās(us) (see abrasion) + -ive

Other words for abrasive

2	harsh, rough, rasping

See synonyms for abrasive on Thesaurus.com

Other words from abrasive

a·bra·sive·ly, adverb
a·bra·sive·ness, noun
un·a·bra·sive, adjective
un·a·bra·sive·ly, adverb

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use abrasive in a sentence

When in disagreement, Scalia became known for the “abrasiveness of his attacks against opponents.”
The Outside Game of Justice Scalia, a Loner With Clout | David Fontana | June 16, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
British leaders from Margaret Thatcher back to Winston Churchill thrived on steely abrasiveness rather than charm.
The Upside of Bullying | Niall Stanage | February 23, 2010 | THE DAILY BEAST

British Dictionary definitions for abrasive

abrasive

/ (əˈbreɪsɪv) /

noun

a substance or material such as sandpaper, pumice, or emery, used for cleaning, grinding, smoothing, or polishing

adjective

causing abrasion; grating; rough
irritating in manner or personality; causing tension or annoyance

Derived forms of abrasive

abrasiveness, noun

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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