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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But the context in which the show is premiering makes this a surreal project, where legal rights and principles we were once told were sacrosanct are being eroded.—
Nina Metz,
Chicago Tribune,
23 July 2025
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Inflation is an inevitable economic reality that erodes your purchasing power over time.—
Prasanna Kumar,
Forbes.com,
23 July 2025
Verb
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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
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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
Verb
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Gently scrape away any hardened material with a butter knife.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
12 July 2025
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There are 616 McDonald's restaurants in Ohio, according to the web scraping tool ScrapeHero.—
Chad Murphy,
The Enquirer,
10 July 2025
Verb
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John tried physical therapy and wearing a brace, but the spine kept worsening.—
Nicole Villalpando,
Austin American Statesman,
23 July 2025
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Only Workers In These 5 States Have Workplace Heat Protections The National Weather Service has warned people in extreme heat to stay safe by staying hydrated, wearing sunscreen, wearing loose-fitting and light-colored clothing and limiting time outdoors.—
Mary Whitfill Roeloffs,
Forbes.com,
22 July 2025
Verb
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Cruz has barely scratched the surface of his potential.—
Zach Pressnell,
MSNBC Newsweek,
15 July 2025
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Take, for example, Soiree Miami Beach, a luxurious swimwear brand made with sparkly materials that don’t scratch, or Wanahat, a stylish hat brand founded by three Ecuadorian childhood friends.—
Rana Good,
Forbes.com,
14 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 29 Jul. 2025.
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