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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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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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
And few other front offices are under a harsher microscope this March than the Bulls, whose main prize for trading Zach LaVine was the ability to recoup their draft pick from a prior swap with the San Antonio Spurs.
—
Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 21 Mar. 2025
President Trump is threatening 20 years in prison for anyone who vandalizes a Tesla, specifically in a harsh El Salvador facility.
—Emily Forlini, PCMAG, 21 Mar. 2025
Gen Pam Bondi is on the case, vowing the harshest of penalties.
—Anita Chabria, Los Angeles Times, 20 Mar. 2025
Conversely, the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union ultimately failed because its planners underestimated the opposition and failed to account for how the German army could be supplied, particularly during the harsh Russian winter.
—Dan Walters, The Mercury News, 20 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for harsh
Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 21 Mar. 2025
President Trump is threatening 20 years in prison for anyone who vandalizes a Tesla, specifically in a harsh El Salvador facility.
—Emily Forlini, PCMAG, 21 Mar. 2025
Gen Pam Bondi is on the case, vowing the harshest of penalties.
—Anita Chabria, Los Angeles Times, 20 Mar. 2025
Conversely, the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union ultimately failed because its planners underestimated the opposition and failed to account for how the German army could be supplied, particularly during the harsh Russian winter.
—Dan Walters, The Mercury News, 20 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for harsh
Recent Examples of Synonyms for harsh
Adjective
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This likely helped maintain its brand trust during tough times. 8.—
Paul Klein,
Forbes,
23 Mar. 2025
-
As long as Flagg is on the floor, the Blue Devils will be a tough out.—
Tobias Bass,
The Athletic,
23 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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The crowd welcomed him with a loud ovation and cheered him on numerous times during the match.—
Michelle Kaufman,
Miami Herald,
31 Mar. 2025
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Building strong relationships—without being the loudest in the room Introverts are rarely the most talkative people in meetings or social settings.—
Lorraine K. Lee, Contributor,
CNBC,
31 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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This, again, signals that this is an unusual and uncomfortable situation.—
Tim Maurer,
Forbes,
23 Mar. 2025
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Depending on your cat’s coat, some products may be uncomfortable or painful.—
BestReviews,
Chicago Tribune,
21 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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The reporting requirements for school officials who suspect abuse have become stricter in the last 20 years, Pernerewski notes.—
Lauren Mascarenhas,
CNN,
23 Mar. 2025
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For instance, while Jimmy Fallon and Stephen Colbert may try to adhere to a strict framing, Mulaney prefers a more meandering format between himself and announcer Richard Kind.—
Harrison Richlin,
IndieWire,
23 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Even the indoor scenes were painful because you’re locked inside that heat.—
Lynette Rice,
Deadline,
23 Mar. 2025
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The recent swoon, while painful for current shareholders, has driven the headline yield up to 6% and has driven valuations down—NOG trades for 7 times earnings estimates and at a low price/earnings-to-growth (PEG) ratio of 0.56 (anything below 1 is considered to be undervalued).—
Brett Owens,
Forbes,
23 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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This is notable, given that post-Covid brick and mortar shopping has generally become so unpleasant, it’s given rise to the need for a personal shopper.—
Jennifer Leigh Parker,
Forbes,
21 Mar. 2025
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Less a song than a gag, every individual element is unpleasant: single-entendre lyrics; vocals and synths that aren’t even in the same key; and the less said about Space Cowboy’s guest verse, the better.—
Kristen S. Hé,
Vulture,
19 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Cryptocurrency mixers can be essential tools for individuals who value privacy, including those living under oppressive regimes, journalists, whistleblowers, and businesses that require confidentiality in their transactions.—
Becca Bratcher,
Forbes,
21 Mar. 2025
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Coventry became the minister of sports a year after the coup that removed Mugabe in the new administration of current President Emmerson Mnangagwa, Mugabe’s vice president who rights groups say has continued many of Mugabe’s oppressive policies.—
Gerald Imray,
Chicago Tribune,
20 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Four-time Tour de France winner Chris Froome had form on the bike that was frequently described as ugly.—
Liam Tharme,
The Athletic,
23 Mar. 2025
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This included industrialization, and, with it, the conception of leisure as a way of allowing people to recuperate from work with a temporary escape from the ugly, unhealthy atmosphere of the city.—
Livia Gershon,
JSTOR Daily,
23 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Harsh.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/harsh. Accessed 5 Apr. 2025.
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