RAW Synonyms: 269 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'raw' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of raw are crude , rough , and rude . While all these words mean "lacking in social refinement," raw suggests being untested, inexperienced, or unfinished. // turning raw youths into polished performers

Q: When might 'crude' be a better fit than 'raw'?

The words crude and raw can be used in similar contexts, but crude may apply to thought or behavior limited to the gross, the obvious, or the primitive. // a crude joke

Q: When could 'rough' be used to replace 'raw'?

The meanings of rough and raw largely overlap; however, rough is likely to stress lack of polish and gentleness. // rough manners

Q: When is 'rude' a more appropriate choice than 'raw'?

The words rude and raw are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, rude implies ignorance of or indifference to good form; it may suggest intentional discourtesy. // rude behavior

raw 1 of 2

adjective

ˈrȯ

Definition of raw next

as in uncooked

not cooked you should wash your hands after handling raw chicken

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in crude

being such as found in nature and not altered by processing or refining raw sugar is honey-colored because the crystals retain cane juices, minerals, and other impurities that haven't been refined out

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as in inexperienced

lacking in adult experience or maturity recruiters like to say the military turns raw youths into responsible men and women

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as in turbulent

marked by wet and windy conditions the day of the funeral turned out to be one of those bleak, blustery, raw winter days that was as gloomy as our spirits

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as in chilling

uncomfortably cool evenings in those mountains, even during the summer, tend to be a little raw

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as in biting

causing intense discomfort to one's skin bundle up if you're going sailing, as there's a raw wind out there in the bay

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as in rampant

showing no signs of being under control a frightening display of raw anger

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as in naked

lacking or shed of clothing a pristine stretch of sand where beachgoers commonly sunbathe raw

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raw

2 of 2

noun

as in nudity

the state of having no clothes on one's body a secluded swimming hole where we could swim in the raw

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective raw differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of raw are crude, rough, and rude. While all these words mean "lacking in social refinement," raw suggests being untested, inexperienced, or unfinished.

turning raw youths into polished performers

When might crude be a better fit than raw?

The words crude and raw can be used in similar contexts, but crude may apply to thought or behavior limited to the gross, the obvious, or the primitive.

a crude joke

When could rough be used to replace raw?

The meanings of rough and raw largely overlap; however, rough is likely to stress lack of polish and gentleness.

rough manners

When is rude a more appropriate choice than raw?

The words rude and raw are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, rude implies ignorance of or indifference to good form; it may suggest intentional discourtesy.

rude behavior

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 raw

Adjective

This comes from working close every day to raw milk. —

Jim Martin, The Denver Post, 4 Feb. 2025 Below is the raw footage supplied by the University of Hong Kong of some pretty thorough SUPER MAV testing. —

New Atlas, 4 Feb. 2025

Noun

Employee cracked a raw shelled egg with gloved hands then handled a clean plate and kitchen utensils without washing hands between tasks. —

Ebony Day, azcentral, 25 Dec. 2019 Tim RoneyGetty Images Her 1995 raw, ragey, best-selling album, Jagged Little Pill, spoke to a generation—and inspired a musical of the same name, opening on Broadway this month. —

Alanis Morissette, Marie Claire, 8 Nov. 2019 See all Example Sentences for raw

Recent Examples of Synonyms for raw

Adjective

For example, one study found instant rice contains many more microplastics than uncooked rice; another showed frozen breaded shrimp contains significantly more microplastics than plain chicken breast.

— Carolyn L. Todd, SELF, 5 Feb. 2025
You Crave Ice Iron deficiency can cause pica, eating or craving non-nutritive substances like ice, dirt, uncooked rice, or paper.

— Isabel Vasquez RD LDN, Health, 4 Feb. 2025