Definition of coarsenext
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Synonym Chooser

How is the word coarse different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of coarse are gross, obscene, ribald, and vulgar. While all these words mean "offensive to good taste or morals," coarse implies roughness, rudeness, or crudeness of spirit, behavior, or language.

found the coarse humor of coworkers offensive

When can gross be used instead of coarse?

The words gross and coarse can be used in similar contexts, but gross implies extreme coarseness and insensitiveness.

gross eating habits

When could obscene be used to replace coarse?

While the synonyms obscene and coarse are close in meaning, obscene applies to anything strongly repulsive to the sense of decency and propriety especially in sexual matters.

obscene language not allowed on the air

Where would ribald be a reasonable alternative to coarse?

The meanings of ribald and coarse largely overlap; however, ribald applies to what is amusingly or picturesquely vulgar or irreverent or mildly indecent.

entertained the campers with ribald folk songs

When might vulgar be a better fit than coarse?

The words vulgar and coarse are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, vulgar often implies boorishness or ill-breeding.

a loud vulgar belch

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 coarse It’s made with type 1 flour, somewhat coarser than the 00 used in Neapolitan, giving it a more rustic character. The Sacramento Bee Staff, Sacbee.com, 25 Apr. 2026 Using your hands, pinch butter firmly to flatten and break up pieces until mixture resembles coarse meal with small chunks of butter remaining. Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 25 Apr. 2026 Two brushes are included in this set, both featuring coarse and soft bristles. Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 24 Apr. 2026 Kosher salt, with its larger, coarser crystals, takes its name from its role in the koshering process—a Jewish culinary tradition of drawing blood from meat before cooking. Anne Wolf, Martha Stewart, 23 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for coarse
Recent Examples of Synonyms for coarse
Adjective
  • The brand’s classic coats were joined by handsome bomber jackets in grained leather or suede, cocooning puffers and enveloping shearling jackets and stoles that were lined with contrasting napa for extra luxe.
    Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 2 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • But demeaning our brand through association with vulgar demagogues is a losing strategy.
    Alma Hernandez, New York Daily News, 1 May 2026
  • The word was considered so vulgar that it was left out of early dictionaries and was rarely printed, though Adams says people were certainly using it.
    Harmeet Kaur, CNN Money, 8 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Faced with that reality, our inability to relate to one another becomes almost obscene.
    Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 6 May 2026
  • For instance, the ruling recognized that the government’s need to protect national security might require it to prevent publication of the number and location of troops and that the primary requirements of decency might require censorship of obscene publications.
    Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 29 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • His usually peppy voice is hoarse.
    Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 26 Apr. 2026
  • James’ reasoning had nothing to do with having a hoarse voice at the end of practice.
    Mark Medina, Forbes.com, 16 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Similarly, slugs and snails are less likely to travel across jagged surfaces, which can make pine cones a helpful barrier around vulnerable plants like lettuce or hostas.
    Jessica Safavimehr, Southern Living, 6 May 2026
  • The blade was at least ten inches long and double-edged, honed on one side with a wavy scalloped finish, the other a jagged toothing like a lumberjack’s saw.
    Chang-rae Lee, New Yorker, 3 May 2026
Adjective
  • Injuries to key players on the Amazin’s contributed to some poor numbers as well.
    Fiifi Frimpong, New York Daily News, 28 Apr. 2026
  • Although poor students are disproportionately likely to receive special education in New York City, well-off disabled kids are the ones most acutely driving up the budget.
    Marc Novicoff, The Atlantic, 28 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Whatever the reason, the rest of the day, ghosts of my former selves appeared around every sandy corner.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 7 May 2026
  • Middleton paired the sandy suit style with a cream blouse.
    Julia Teti, Footwear News, 6 May 2026
Adjective
  • The bold phrase caused an uproar among fans; while some praised the model for her bravado, others criticized her for being crass.
    Catherine Santino, PEOPLE, 2 May 2026
  • Plastic trinkets and graffiti, television sets and bumper stickers, road signs and wigs—many might describe these items as disposable culture, signs of America’s crass habit of regarding anything as art.
    Hua Hsu, The Atlantic, 28 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Coarse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/coarse. Accessed 8 May. 2026.

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