abrasive
4 synonyms and 1 antonym for abrasive, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Rough enough to grind or wear away a surface through friction.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. adj
Rough enough to grind or wear away a surface through friction.
“The cleaning pad has an abrasive side for tough stains.”
Opposites
2. noun
A substance, such as sandpaper or pumice, used for grinding, polishing, or smoothing.
“Use a fine abrasive to remove the old varnish.”
How to use abrasive
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
abrasive personality
abrasive manner
mildly abrasive
Etymology
Borrowed from Medieval Latin abrasivus, built on the same root as "abrasion" and "abrade."
Full origin of abrasive →Frequently asked questions
What does “abrasive” mean?
The word “abrasive” means rough enough to grind or wear away a surface through friction. In plain terms, either something physically rough enough to scrape a surface, or a person whose manner is unpleasantly harsh.
How do you pronounce “abrasive”?
“Abrasive” is pronounced uh-BRAY-sihv (/əˈbɹeɪ.sɪv/ in IPA).
How do you use “abrasive” in a sentence?
Here is “abrasive” used in a sentence: “The cleaning pad has an abrasive side for tough stains.”
What part of speech is “abrasive”?
Depending on how it is used, “abrasive” can be an adjective and a noun.
Where does the word “abrasive” come from?
The word “abrasive” comes from Medieval Latin. Borrowed from Medieval Latin abrasivus, built on the same root as "abrasion" and "abrade.".
Is “abrasive” a common word?
“Abrasive” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “abrasive” have?
“Abrasive” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: rough enough to grind or wear away a surface through friction.
