1
as in tough
difficult to endure
harsh conditions in the refugee camp
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in uncomfortable
causing discomfort
the harsh northern climate
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
6
as in unpleasant
not giving pleasure to the mind or senses
winced at the harsh sound that the beginner violinist was making
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 harsh
Hair care brands are also incorporating UV defense into repair and styling products: summer can be harsh on your hair but using the correct products can prevent it from getting damaged.
—
Laia Farran Graves, Forbes.com, 14 Aug. 2025
But this time, the State Department was also harsher in its evaluation of Ukraine, mirroring President Donald Trump's tendency to criticize both sides of the conflicts.
—Shannon K. Kingston, ABC News, 12 Aug. 2025
Graphic, statement-making shadow doesn’t need to be harsh.
—Calin Van Paris, Vogue, 12 Aug. 2025
Detergents can be harsh for babies and people with sensitive skin and allergies, causing itchiness, rash, and maybe even sneezing or watery eyes from their strong fragrances.
—Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 11 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for harsh
Laia Farran Graves, Forbes.com, 14 Aug. 2025
But this time, the State Department was also harsher in its evaluation of Ukraine, mirroring President Donald Trump's tendency to criticize both sides of the conflicts.
—Shannon K. Kingston, ABC News, 12 Aug. 2025
Graphic, statement-making shadow doesn’t need to be harsh.
—Calin Van Paris, Vogue, 12 Aug. 2025
Detergents can be harsh for babies and people with sensitive skin and allergies, causing itchiness, rash, and maybe even sneezing or watery eyes from their strong fragrances.
—Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 11 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for harsh
Recent Examples of Synonyms for harsh
Adjective
-
The logistics of pushing autonomous vessels out into the deep Pacific is tough.—
Craig Hooper,
Forbes.com,
14 Aug. 2025
-
Extending his power over the city for longer would require approval from Congress, and that could be tough in the face of Democratic resistance.—
Lindsay Whitehurst,
Chicago Tribune,
14 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
The employee said a juvenile inside the restaurant was becoming loud, aggressive and was threatening employees and using profanities, according to a report from The South Bend Tribune.—
Katie Wiseman,
IndyStar,
23 Aug. 2025
-
The timing is notable: Trump’s Truth Social post about Bolton had nothing to do with classified information and everything to do with the fact that Bolton was one of the loudest reality checks on television about the President’s embarrassing summit a day earlier with Vladimir Putin, in Alaska.—
Susan B. Glasser,
New Yorker,
22 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Removing 55 books the governor’s political party is uncomfortable with is not ethical or legal.—
Robert Kesten,
The Orlando Sentinel,
16 Aug. 2025
-
For some, the action echoes uncomfortable historical chapters when politicians used language to paint predominantly Black cities with racist narratives to shape public opinion and justify police action.—
John Seewer,
Chicago Tribune,
16 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Although House rules allow members of Congress to provide gifts to other members, there is strict guidance on the appearance of impropriety and required disclosures.—
Jeff McDonald,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
16 Aug. 2025
-
In addition to broadening Opinel's appeal in jurisdictions with strict regulations on locking knives, the Opiflex mechanism is designed to streamline blade opening and closing for fast, intuitive knife use.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
16 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Once tooth enamel is lost, the tooth nerves are exposed, which is painful and makes the teeth sensitive.—
Thomas Westerholm,
MSNBC Newsweek,
15 Aug. 2025
-
Although the condition itself isn’t typically painful, raw or blistered skin can lead to pain and swelling.7 Secondary skin infections—like if a blister is exposed to bacteria and gets infected—can also cause painful symptoms.—
Sarah Bradley,
Health,
15 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Once again, America confronts the unpleasant truth that the Constitution does not expressly guarantee a right to vote — and neither will the Supreme Court.—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
12 Aug. 2025
-
The past year has been an unpleasant one for the value approach.—
John Dorfman,
Forbes.com,
11 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
What was mostly missing was the occasional cool front that pushes out the most oppressive heat and humidity.—
Staff And Wire Reports,
Boston Herald,
10 Aug. 2025
-
Driving in Palm Beach County — home to Mar-a-Lago — the windows are up, and the AC is blasting to counter the oppressive heat and humidity outside.—
David Culver,
CNN Money,
10 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
The Navy must address the ugly fact that, despite all the security America can provide, a diverse array of enemies, rivals and criminals can shut the Panama Canal down at virtually any time.—
Craig Hooper,
Forbes.com,
14 Aug. 2025
-
In the ugliest defeat of a season belatedly compiling them, the New York Mets blew an early 6-0 lead Wednesday to fall to the Atlanta Braves 11-6.—
Tim Britton,
New York Times,
14 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Harsh.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/harsh. Accessed 27 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share