abra·sive
ə-ˈbrā-siv 
-ziv
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
: a substance (such as emery or pumice) used for abrading, smoothing, or polishing
used an abrasive for polishing the rough stones
Synonyms
Adjective
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
Sandra S. Soria, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Nov. 2024
Josephina’s welcome to Fort Bliss is characteristically cold and all the more abrasive by the lack of privacy in the open bunk, co-ed showers, and open latrine.
—Andy Andersen, Vulture, 1 Nov. 2024
Timothy Dale, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Oct. 2024
Many toothpastes contain abrasives like baking soda, calcium, peroxide, colors, and flavorings that can irritate or harm skin.
—Ann Pietrangelo, Verywell Health, 1 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for abrasive 
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Adjective
Always use mild detergents and never scrub them with an abrasive sponge or scrubber.
—Sandra S. Soria, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Nov. 2024
Josephina’s welcome to Fort Bliss is characteristically cold and all the more abrasive by the lack of privacy in the open bunk, co-ed showers, and open latrine.
—Andy Andersen, Vulture, 1 Nov. 2024
Noun
Test chemical products on a discreet section of the fence before cleaning the entire structure, and avoid scrubbing the fence with heavy-duty abrasives, like metal scouring pads.
—Timothy Dale, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Oct. 2024
Many toothpastes contain abrasives like baking soda, calcium, peroxide, colors, and flavorings that can irritate or harm skin.
—Ann Pietrangelo, Verywell Health, 1 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for abrasive
Dictionary Entries Near abrasive
Cite this Entry
“Abrasive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/abrasive. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
abrasive
1 of 2 adjective
abra·sive
ə-ˈbrā-siv
-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
-ziv
-ziv
: 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
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