abrasive

1 of 2

adjective

abra·​sive ə-ˈbrā-siv How to pronounce abrasive (audio)
-ziv
Synonyms of abrasive
1
: causing damage, wear, or removal of surface material by grinding or rubbing : tending to abrade
abrasive compounds for whitening teeth
an abrasive surface
2
: causing irritation
abrasive manners
an abrasive personality
abrasively adverb
abrasiveness noun

abrasive

2 of 2

noun

: a substance (such as emery or pumice) used for abrading, smoothing, or polishing
used an abrasive for polishing the rough stones

Did you know?

Abrasive Has Latin Roots

Once upon a time, English had abrade and abrase. While abrade remains a familiar word, abrase is rare but survives in abrasive. Both verbs come from abrādere, meaning "to remove by rubbing" or "to scrape off."

Synonyms of abrasive

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Adjective

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Examples of abrasive in a Sentence

Adjective The waves had an abrasive action on the rocks. an abrasive display of rude behavior
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
Mistakes To Avoid There are a few mistakes people often make when cleaning their garage door—the biggest one involving abrasive scrub pads. — Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 28 Aug. 2026 When Hank and Peggy meet a new family who has moved into the neighborhood, the Laotian Souphanousinphones, Hank immediately dislikes the father, Kahn, who is abrasive, competitive, and often rude. — Jordana Rosenfeld, Encyclopedia Britannica, 24 Aug. 2026
Noun
Hank is determined to be a better father than his own—the abrasive and dominating Cotton Hill, who lost his shins in World War II. — Jordana Rosenfeld, Encyclopedia Britannica, 24 Aug. 2026 Baking soda functions as a mild abrasive that will break down any sticky residue without damaging the mop head fibers. — Louise Parks, Martha Stewart, 20 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for abrasive

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

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

Noun

derivative of abrasive entry 1

First Known Use

Adjective

1601, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1850, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of abrasive was in 1601

Rhymes for abrasive

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Browse Nearby Words

abrasion platform
abrasive
à bras ouverts
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Cite this Entry

“Abrasive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/abrasive. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

abrasive

1 of 2 adjective
abra·​sive ə-ˈbrā-siv How to pronounce abrasive (audio)
-ziv
: having the effect of abrading
abrasively adverb
abrasiveness noun

abrasive

2 of 2 noun
: a substance (as sand) used for grinding, smoothing, or polishing

Medical Definition

abrasive

1 of 2 adjective
abra·​sive ə-ˈbrā-siv How to pronounce abrasive (audio) -ziv How to pronounce abrasive (audio)
: tending to abrade
an abrasive substance
abrasiveness noun

abrasive

2 of 2 noun
: a substance (as emery or pumice) used for abrading, smoothing, or polishing

called also abradant

More from Merriam-Webster on abrasive

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about abrasive

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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