1
as in tough
difficult to endure
harsh conditions in the refugee camp
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in loud
disagreeable to one's aesthetic or artistic sense
the harsh lighting in the cafeteria makes the food look slightly off-color
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in uncomfortable
causing discomfort
the harsh northern climate
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4
as in strict
given to exacting standards of discipline and self-restraint
a harsh judge when it comes to drug users and especially drug dealers
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in painful
hard to accept or bear especially emotionally
the harsh reality of failure harsh words of criticism from her music teacher
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6
as in unpleasant
not giving pleasure to the mind or senses
winced at the harsh sound that the beginner violinist was making
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of harsh
Rumors are circulating that Brown could be set to play Britney Spears—who suffered a breakdown in the harsh glare of the tabloid spotlight in the noughties—in a forthcoming biopic.
—
Morgan Fargo, Vogue, 27 Feb. 2025
The rich balm keeps hands protected from harsh winter weather while restoring hydration.
—Celia Shatzman, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2025
But harsh weather conditions made this difficult, which is why Cameroon and Ivory Coast, the 2021 and 2023 hosts respectively, reverted back to the original time of year.
—Jay Harris, The Athletic, 25 Feb. 2025
Prosecutors have officially changed Jordan’s drug possession charge to a third degree felony, meaning likely a less harsh penalty for the Orlando resident.
—Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 25 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for harsh
Morgan Fargo, Vogue, 27 Feb. 2025
The rich balm keeps hands protected from harsh winter weather while restoring hydration.
—Celia Shatzman, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2025
But harsh weather conditions made this difficult, which is why Cameroon and Ivory Coast, the 2021 and 2023 hosts respectively, reverted back to the original time of year.
—Jay Harris, The Athletic, 25 Feb. 2025
Prosecutors have officially changed Jordan’s drug possession charge to a third degree felony, meaning likely a less harsh penalty for the Orlando resident.
—Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 25 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for harsh
Recent Examples of Synonyms for harsh
Adjective
-
Ties during Trump’s first term One of the hallmarks of the first Trump Administration was a tougher stance towards China compared to his predecessors, through tit-for-tat tariffs and an Indo-Pacific strategy that aimed to curb Beijing’s growing influence in the Western Pacific.—
Chad de Guzman,
TIME,
27 Feb. 2025
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How to Bet Timberwolves vs. Lakers Following up a game like Tuesday's would be tough for the Wolves under any circumstances, but with Edwards battling a calf injury and DiVincenzo potentially sidelined, beating the Lakers in L.A. will be that much more difficult.—
David Faris,
Newsweek,
27 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
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
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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
Adjective
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The traditional process of quitting a job has always been a personal, often uncomfortable experience.—
Cheryl Robinson,
Forbes,
1 Mar. 2025
-
Video footage appeared to show Jin looking uncomfortable.—
Jon Blistein,
Rolling Stone,
28 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
Four years on—late in 2024 but well in advance of the Type 00’s public debut in Miami—Robb Report was invited to Gaydon to see the result under conditions of the strictest secrecy.—
Ben Oliver,
Robb Report,
1 Mar. 2025
-
While seafood imports must meet strict federal safety regulations, this catfish recall underscores the challenges of monitoring international food supply chains.—
Stephanie Gravalese,
Forbes,
1 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Throughout her childhood, Dee Dee subjected her Gypsy-Rose to years of painful medical procedures that were not needed.—
Angel Saunders,
People.com,
28 Feb. 2025
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Whether a client hires a single architect to design a house or a team to work on a downtown plan with multiple community stakeholders, the architect-client relationship is rarely one of a painful struggle.—
Matt Shaw,
Forbes,
28 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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These days however, an all-white or all-gray bathroom can act as an unpleasant symbol of an outdated trend, and may seem seriously lacking in pizazz.—
Hallie Milstein,
Southern Living,
25 Feb. 2025
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This can be an unpleasant odor for humans to encounter, but the critters in the video seem enthusiastic about interacting with the eau de skunk.—
Amanda Kooser,
Forbes,
25 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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This gripping series takes viewers into insidious modern-day cults through the unique lens of members who endured unspeakable trauma and the shocking investigations into these oppressive groups.—
Katcy Stephan,
Variety,
27 Feb. 2025
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Dominic Frey is a member of the oppressive class and everything Silas should despise — but now their mutual discretion is all that’s keeping them from punishment for their crimes of passion.—
Olivia Waite,
New York Times,
26 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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The advanced metrics paint an ugly picture for the Suns as well over that span: 114.0 OffRtg (11th), 117.3 DefRtg (27th), -3.2 NetRtg (21st).—
Evan Sidery,
Forbes,
28 Feb. 2025
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Or the constitutional dystopia in which we are now caught, beside which even the ugliest onscreen villainy pales into insignificance?—
Justin Chang,
The New Yorker,
28 Feb. 2025
Articles Related to harsh
Cite this Entry
“Harsh.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/harsh. Accessed 5 Mar. 2025.
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