1
as in bitterness
a harsh or sharp quality
there was a harshness about her voice that made her an unlikely but surprisingly evocative singer of torch songs
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in severity
the quality or state of being demanding or unyielding (as in discipline or criticism)
was surprised at the harshness of the choirmaster's criticism, since he was usually pretty easygoing
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for harshness
Noun
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Autism is a spectrum, Alpert noted, which means symptoms can vary significantly in type and severity.—
Melissa Rudy,
Fox News,
28 Jan. 2025 -
But not every director of Tarantino's pedigree agrees with his diagnosis of the industry's ills or, at least, his sense of its severity.—
Ryan Coleman,
EW.com,
28 Jan. 2025
Noun
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And for a pick-me-up before or after the slopes, the Double Blacks cafe on the lower level serves espresso drinks, spiced ciders, fresh croissants, and small bites.—
Denny Lee,
Travel + Leisure,
27 Jan. 2025
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That starts with small bites, including his calas, also known as Creole rice fritters, traditionally a sweet breakfast dish served with cafe au lait.—
Louisa Kung Liu Chu,
Chicago Tribune,
27 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Amara, a nurse who lives in nearby Valencia, said she’s been on edge for weeks as major blazes devastated Southern California.—
Marcio Jose Sanchez,
Chicago Tribune,
22 Jan. 2025
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The port and button layout is the same as before, with a volume toggle on the right edge and a power button below it.—
Iyaz Akhtar,
PCMAG,
22 Jan. 2025
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Thesaurus Entries Near harshness
Cite this Entry
“Harshness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/harshness. Accessed 3 Feb. 2025.
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