abrasive

/əˈbɹeɪ.sɪv/adjective

Harsh and unpleasant in the way one treats or speaks to others.

Example sentences

“His abrasive remarks upset several of his coworkers.”
“Her abrasive manner made it hard for her to keep an assistant for long.”

The literal sense describes sandpaper. Calling a person abrasive borrows that image: their manner scrapes on everyone around them.

Synonyms for abrasive

Antonyms

gentle
tactful

Find it in: Words to describe a person.

Related words

aloofDistant and unfriendly in manner; keeping oneself apart from others.arrogantBehaving as if you are better or more important than other people, often with disdain for them.belligerentHostile and aggressive; eager to argue or fight.callousCold and uncaring about other people's pain or feelings.callowYoung and lacking experience, especially in a way that shows poor judgment.capriciousChanging suddenly and without warning, guided by whim rather than reason.