1
2
as in to irritate
to make sore by continued rubbing my new running shoes abraded my heels until they blistered

Synonyms & Similar Words

3
as in to scrape
to damage by rubbing against a sharp or rough surface the yacht's once-flawless wooden hull had been badly abraded by years of rough dockings

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of abrade In response to the downstream concerns about the prevention and control of lyocell fibrillation—the fiber separation in yarn that can occur when textiles are wet and abraded, which can cause pilling—Sateri provides three cross-linking solutions that are formaldehyde-free and easy to operate. Sj Studio, Sourcing Journal, 27 Sep. 2024 It’s believed this phenomenon is thanks to the fast flow of the water that abrades the rocky coast, dislodging more minerals into the ocean. Mark Ellwood, Robb Report, 27 July 2024 Gently dab at the stain until it's gone, taking care not to scrub, as friction can abrade the material and damage the lampshade. Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 July 2024 Plus, the sensation inside my throat felt scary: raw, abraded. Dessa Dessa Tanya Pérez Alec K. Redfearn, New York Times, 12 June 2024 See All Example Sentences for abrade
Recent Examples of Synonyms for abrade
Verb
  • Spinrad said the cuts, especially of researchers who collect data that feeds into storm models, could erode the quality of hurricane forecasts going forward.
    Alex Harris, Miami Herald, 1 Mar. 2025
  • Despite creating jobs and potential environmental benefits, chronic mismanagement and escalating costs have eroded public trust, making continued taxpayer support irresponsible.
    Phillip Molnar, The Mercury News, 28 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Also, the Cane Toad emits a toxin that irritates skin and eyes.
    Alan Clemons, Outdoor Life, 20 Feb. 2025
  • Thankfully, the blood had come from an ongoing ear infection that Roxy had irritated during her panicked state.
    Tom Rogers, Newsweek, 20 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • When the piece is over, my friend scrapes her bow down the strings, and Millie howls with laughter.
    Danilyn Rutherford, TIME, 22 Feb. 2025
  • And snow plows are still scraping streets clean after Tuesday’s storm dropped 2 to 4 inches of snow across the metro.
    Nathan Pilling, Kansas City Star, 21 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • In the photo obtained by the outlet, Sia — known for obscuring her face on stage and at public events with oversized wigs — wore her long blonde hair in beaded braids, her eyes hidden behind dark sunglasses.
    Dan Perry, Newsweek, 28 Feb. 2025
  • The star wore her hair in a sleek braided bun with a single face-framing strand and accessorized her strappy peach Louis Vuitton gown with Chopard jewels.
    Kirsty Hatcher, People.com, 28 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Ava flashes scratches on her forearm, courtesy of Isabella’s fingernails.
    San Diego Union-Tribune, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Feb. 2025
  • So was Kyle Connor, who was scratched on Thursday for Chris Kreider, who played a second straight game.
    Michael Russo, The Athletic, 21 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • At stake is the security and trustworthiness of the largest and most important payments system in the world, one that was already fraying around the edges even before President Trump took office.
    Felix Salmon, Axios, 18 Feb. 2025
  • The Rand Cai x Revolve Collection includes a 100 percent cotton jacket with a cropped fit, shoulder pads, a detachable hood and frayed detailing.
    Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 18 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Abrade.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/abrade. Accessed 4 Mar. 2025.

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