1
as in to erode
to damage or diminish by continued friction
ropes abraded by the rocks were a huge danger to the climbers
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2
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
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Recent Examples of abrade
The cinematography, by Christopher Messina, feels as abraded as Linda’s psyche.
—
Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 7 Feb. 2025
If used, stakes should not abrade or constrict the trunk and should be fully removed after six to twelve months.
—Miri Talabac, Baltimore Sun, 9 Jan. 2025
After the fall of Hosni Mubarak, ordinary Egyptians brought paint cans from home to Tahrir Square, to re-mark the curbs that had been flaked from years of government neglect, and abraded by tanks and flying bricks during the protests.
—Graeme Wood, The Atlantic, 9 Dec. 2024
For example, stone washing, which uses pumice stones and water to physically abrade the indigo dyestuff from the fabric surface, can be replaced by enzyme washing in low-liquid ratio machines.
—Sj Studio, Sourcing Journal, 5 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for abrade
Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 7 Feb. 2025
If used, stakes should not abrade or constrict the trunk and should be fully removed after six to twelve months.
—Miri Talabac, Baltimore Sun, 9 Jan. 2025
After the fall of Hosni Mubarak, ordinary Egyptians brought paint cans from home to Tahrir Square, to re-mark the curbs that had been flaked from years of government neglect, and abraded by tanks and flying bricks during the protests.
—Graeme Wood, The Atlantic, 9 Dec. 2024
For example, stone washing, which uses pumice stones and water to physically abrade the indigo dyestuff from the fabric surface, can be replaced by enzyme washing in low-liquid ratio machines.
—Sj Studio, Sourcing Journal, 5 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for abrade
Recent Examples of Synonyms for abrade
Verb
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Now, this fundamental principle is at risk of being eroded.—
Philippa Pham Hughes,
Time,
11 July 2025
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Deals like these, which require OpenAI to sell stakes in the company, erode the nonprofit’s control of the business.—
Orson Aguilar,
Mercury News,
10 July 2025
Verb
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According to Valliere, people and pets should avoid coming in contact with several invasive plants in California, including: Certain grasses, which produce long awns and seeds that can irritate skin, get stuck in pets’ fur, and cause discomfort for both animals and humans.—
Sacbee.com,
Sacbee.com,
14 July 2025
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Things escalated further as fans began requesting photos and videos, reportedly irritating the R&B star.—
Preezy Brown,
VIBE.com,
14 July 2025
Verb
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Avoid using any type of metal tool or spatula to scrape the surface.—
Rebecca Jones,
Southern Living,
4 July 2025
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National Weather Service radar is indicated that squall bands are starting to scrape the Georgia, South Carolina, and Florida coastlines.—
Marshall Shepherd,
Forbes.com,
4 July 2025
Verb
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The deceased woman was also wearing a black necklace with a cross that family said belonged to DiNapoli, according to court documents.—
Caelyn Pender,
Mercury News,
11 July 2025
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The bride wore a guipure high-neck lace gown embellished with crystals and complete with a nine-foot-long train.—
Sarah Title,
People.com,
10 July 2025
Verb
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He was scratched from a game in early May after experiencing soreness on his left side but started three days later.—
Peter Sblendorio,
New York Daily News,
4 July 2025
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Independence Day While the rest of the films on this list surely make sense, some might be scratching their heads on why a sci-fi film is considered to be one of the greatest Fourth of July films ever made.—
James Brizuela,
MSNBC Newsweek,
4 July 2025
Verb
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In addition, relations with allies are frayed at worst, strained at least.—
Ken Roberts,
Forbes.com,
15 July 2025
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Mile after mile of the region’s precious tree canopy was badly frayed or destroyed.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
11 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Abrade.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/abrade. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.
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