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 crowd welcomed him with a loud ovation and cheered him on numerous times during the match.—
Michelle Kaufman,
Miami Herald,
31 Mar. 2025
-
There has been a loud flirtation with Aaron Rodgers that Adofo-Mensah has danced around quite a bit.—
Steve Silverman,
Forbes.com,
31 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
As the speech came to an end, Booker’s voice was hoarse, but his resolve was unshaken.—
Melissa Noel,
Essence,
2 Apr. 2025
-
By now, many economists are hoarse screaming that higher tariffs and a trade war will raise prices and hurt the U.S. economy.—
Greg Rosalsky,
NPR,
11 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
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
-
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
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
-
Donald Trump defended his harsh new tariffs on Saturday Night Live this week — and maybe took a swipe at last week’s musical guest, too.—
Dave Nemetz,
TVLine,
5 Apr. 2025
-
When the father tried to explain himself, the women criticized him for being too harsh.—
Ashley Vega,
People.com,
4 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Simultaneously punched out, yet refusing to stay down for the count, a gruff Smith does his actorly best to understand, then diss, his public’s view of the slap heard round the world.—
A.D. Amorosi,
Variety,
28 Mar. 2025
-
In a gruff voice, Fino speculated about what besides the mushroom might have caused the disease.—
Shayla Love,
The Atlantic,
23 Mar. 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
-
The choreography is grotesque, but efficient — an intricate, parasitic pageant engineered to keep the show going for as long as the fungus needs until the next brood comes along.—
Scott Travers,
Forbes.com,
6 Apr. 2025
-
Returnal Returnal was one of the first exclusives of the PS5 generation; a fabulously grotesque sci-fi horror dirge, and still worth your attention today.—
Luke Winkie,
Vulture,
1 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Grating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/grating. Accessed 14 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share