1
as in loud
disagreeable to one's aesthetic or artistic sense
the mix of colors in that painting is terribly grating
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in hoarse
harsh and dry in sound
with a grating voice, she croaked a feeble "hello"
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in annoying
to disturb the peace of mind of (someone) especially by repeated disagreeable acts
unintentionally or not, you say rude things that grate people
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
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 grating
Yuliya Klochan, Health, 12 Aug. 2023
Among his more grating qualities is an inability to admit his mistakes: the steely aesthete is also a chameleon, adjusting his positions to the latest political circumstances.
—Alex Ross, The New Yorker, 26 June 2023
But often the most grating road-blocker at work is the one who is on your team — and presumably on your side.
—Ashley Fetters Maloy, Washington Post, 20 May 2022
This is a perpetually grating question that’s followed the genre around as it’s skyrocketed to the very center of the mainstream over the last few years and become one of the most omnipresent sounds on the planet.
—Julyssa Lopez, Rolling Stone, 9 May 2022
See All Example Sentences for grating
Adjective
Runner's knee often causes a tender or grating sensation.
—Yuliya Klochan, Health, 12 Aug. 2023
Among his more grating qualities is an inability to admit his mistakes: the steely aesthete is also a chameleon, adjusting his positions to the latest political circumstances.
—Alex Ross, The New Yorker, 26 June 2023
But often the most grating road-blocker at work is the one who is on your team — and presumably on your side.
—Ashley Fetters Maloy, Washington Post, 20 May 2022
This is a perpetually grating question that’s followed the genre around as it’s skyrocketed to the very center of the mainstream over the last few years and become one of the most omnipresent sounds on the planet.
—Julyssa Lopez, Rolling Stone, 9 May 2022
See All Example Sentences for grating
Recent Examples of Synonyms for grating
Adjective
-
The project involves using implosives to connect wires on that segment, hence the loud booms heard by those who live nearby.—
Angela Palermo,
Idaho Statesman,
22 Feb. 2025
-
At night, everyone heads for Sambadrome Marquês de Sapucaí (there’s a cost to attend), the massive stadium that is the kickoff point for the boisterous and loud samba parades that take place throughout the night.—
Ramsey Qubein,
Forbes,
22 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
Davis and subsequently Streep — whose acceptance speech included a biographical survey of half the celebrities in the room and a call for resistance made in a voice gone hoarse by hollering at Women’s March protests the day before — know the only way out is through.—
Vulture Staff,
Vulture,
5 Jan. 2025
-
While working through the audio issues, Billy Ray wandered the stage, sang a cappella, and left some viewers concerned about his hoarse voice and at times erratic behavior.—
Shania Russell,
EW.com,
28 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
Similar to a sheet pan, whole meals can be built in a Dutch oven, scratching that same itch for convenience and less clean up.—
Alana Al-Hatlani,
Southern Living,
23 Dec. 2024
-
But that’s just scratching the surface – addressing only the symptoms of the underlying challenges and only addressing them at the end of the SDLC process.—
Jeremy Vaughan,
Forbes,
23 Dec. 2024
Verb
-
Helped by the transaxle layout, the massive power gains, and sublime styling inside and out, the Vantage also requires less of the sacrifices dictated by low-slung mid-engine supercars that demand constant vigilance to avoid scraping on speed bumps, rough canyon roads, or driveways.—
Michael Teo Van Runkle,
Forbes,
29 Dec. 2024
-
The scraping sensations shouldn't be painful but may feel slightly uncomfortable.—
Carley Millhone,
Health,
27 Dec. 2024
Adjective
-
The 79-year-old Oscar winner embraces the challenging role of the Dutton family matriarch alongside co-star Harrison Ford, confronting everything from mountain lions to the harsh realities of frontier life.—
Holly Williams,
CBS News,
28 Feb. 2025
-
Unlike Western cleansers, which often rely on harsh surfactants or astringent ingredients, Korean ones maintain the skin’s moisture barrier and natural pH balance, says Cho.—
Denise Primbet,
Glamour,
28 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
Ashanti’s lithe voice perfectly complimented Ja’s gruff vocal tone, providing Murder Inc.—
Andre Gee,
Rolling Stone,
10 Feb. 2025
-
The gruff men are Danny and Kyle McCray, an estranged father and son who’ve been reunited by a medical emergency.—
Elisabeth Egan,
New York Times,
14 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
Cover irritating clothing seams with a smooth material such as silk to avoid abrasive irritation.—
Anna Giorgi,
Verywell Health,
5 Jan. 2025
-
At Abercrombie & Fitch Packed with conditioning and hydrating castor oil, argan oil & coconut oil, this eyelash & brow growth serum will help promote the appearance of longer, fuller looking lashes and brows without the use of irritating or harmful ingredients.—
refinery29.com,
refinery29.com,
4 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
Their legacy includes the extreme outfits of the flamboyant criminals and hairdressers in Female Trouble (1974) and the grotesque Mortvillians in Desperate Living (1977) Smith to Polyester (1982) and Hairspray (1988) to more mainstream films such as Cry-Baby (1990) and Serial Mom (1994).—
Erik Pedersen,
Deadline,
27 Jan. 2025
-
Werfel concocted a more tortuous explanation for his wife’s grotesque behavior.—
Alex Ross,
The New Yorker,
3 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Grating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/grating. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share