HARSH Synonyms: 357 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'harsh' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of harsh are rough , rugged , scabrous , and uneven . While all these words mean "not smooth or even," harsh implies a surface or texture distinctly unpleasant to the touch. // a harsh fabric that chafes the skin

Q: When might 'rough' be a better fit than 'harsh'?

Although the words rough and harsh have much in common, rough implies points, bristles, ridges, or projections on the surface. // a rough wooden board

Q: When could 'rugged' be used to replace 'harsh'?

While in some cases nearly identical to harsh , rugged implies irregularity or roughness of land surface and connotes difficulty of travel. // a rugged landscape

Q: When is 'scabrous' a more appropriate choice than 'harsh'?

The words scabrous and harsh are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, scabrous implies scaliness or prickliness of surface. // a scabrous leaf

Q: Where would 'uneven' be a reasonable alternative to 'harsh'?

In some situations, the words uneven and harsh are roughly equivalent. However, uneven implies a lack of uniformity in height, breadth, or quality. // an old house with uneven floors

harsh

adjective

ˈhärsh

Definition of harsh next

as in tough

difficult to endure harsh conditions in the refugee camp

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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as in uncomfortable

causing discomfort the harsh northern climate

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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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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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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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective harsh contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of harsh are rough, rugged, scabrous, and uneven. While all these words mean "not smooth or even," harsh implies a surface or texture distinctly unpleasant to the touch.

a harsh fabric that chafes the skin

When might rough be a better fit than harsh?

Although the words rough and harsh have much in common, rough implies points, bristles, ridges, or projections on the surface.

a rough wooden board

When could rugged be used to replace harsh?

While in some cases nearly identical to harsh, rugged implies irregularity or roughness of land surface and connotes difficulty of travel.

a rugged landscape

When is scabrous a more appropriate choice than harsh?

The words scabrous and harsh are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, scabrous implies scaliness or prickliness of surface.

a scabrous leaf

Where would uneven be a reasonable alternative to harsh?

In some situations, the words uneven and harsh are roughly equivalent. However, uneven implies a lack of uniformity in height, breadth, or quality.

an old house with uneven floors

Examples 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 To date, neither Capobianco nor Peter has been charged with anything harsher than public scorn (and one wonders if that scorn would have held had the Yankees also won Game 5 and come back to win the World Series). —

Dan Freedman, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024 The Prime Video series is shooting now in Queensland, Australia. Created and written by Kate McCartney and Kate McLennan, the series sees two female detectives in harsh and tropical Darwin investigating the death of Bushy, the former policing partner of one of the women. —

Patrick Frater, Variety, 4 Nov. 2024 There are also more-than-adequate storage spaces in the large center console annd all four doors. CHANGE: The ride quality The ride quality is a little harsher in the Sorento than in some of its competitors, especially with the 20-inch wheels and lower profile tires the tester came equipped with. —

Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024 Trump’s comments on Taiwan have been unusually harsh for China policy in Washington, where there is a general bipartisan consensus to be tough on Beijing and Xi, who has pledged to reunify with Taipei, by force if necessary. —

Brad Dress, The Hill, 2 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for harsh

Recent Examples of Synonyms for harsh

Adjective

The Buffs need to find a way to grind out tough yards on the ground, especially late.

Kyle Newman, The Denver Post, 15 Nov. 2024
Bosa confirmed Wednesday that playing through a hip injury last game was the toughest pain he’s endured in 5 1/2 seasons.

Cam Inman, The Mercury News, 15 Nov. 2024