1
as in clumsy
hastily or roughly constructed
a survivalist living in a rough-hewn shelter in the wilderness
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in crass
lacking in refinement or good taste
a rough-hewn kid who had to learn how to behave properly in polite company
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in uncomfortable
lacking social grace and assurance
rough-hewn military cadets feeling a little self-conscious at their first formal dance
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of rough-hewn
Welles gets Dylan comparisons all the time owing to his rough-hewn vocal grain, the harmonica propped up around his face like orthodontic headgear, and a young Bob being the average person’s main reference point for wordy folk music with a bent toward social commentary.
—
Jack Denton, Vulture, 26 Feb. 2025
In December of 2024, our sister site Deadline reported that the series’ leads — Kelly Reilly, who plays badass Beth Dutton, and Cole Hauser, who is Beth’s husband, rough-hewn Rip Wheeler — had struck deals to reprise their roles in a new spinoff.
—Charlie Mason, TVLine, 14 Feb. 2025
The tunnel’s entrances, designed by Snøhetta, will feature rough-hewn rock walls, walkways, and a road bridge to blend with the natural landscape and provide scenic viewpoints, potentially boosting local tourism too.
—David Nikel, Forbes, 20 Jan. 2025
The new, rough-hewn, working-class actors like Albert Finney, Alan Bates and Anthony Hopkins were her peers.
—Pan Pylas, Chicago Tribune, 17 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for rough-hewn
Jack Denton, Vulture, 26 Feb. 2025
In December of 2024, our sister site Deadline reported that the series’ leads — Kelly Reilly, who plays badass Beth Dutton, and Cole Hauser, who is Beth’s husband, rough-hewn Rip Wheeler — had struck deals to reprise their roles in a new spinoff.
—Charlie Mason, TVLine, 14 Feb. 2025
The tunnel’s entrances, designed by Snøhetta, will feature rough-hewn rock walls, walkways, and a road bridge to blend with the natural landscape and provide scenic viewpoints, potentially boosting local tourism too.
—David Nikel, Forbes, 20 Jan. 2025
The new, rough-hewn, working-class actors like Albert Finney, Alan Bates and Anthony Hopkins were her peers.
—Pan Pylas, Chicago Tribune, 17 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for rough-hewn
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rough-hewn
Adjective
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Unlike clumsier species that struggle with obstacles, the black mamba leverages every surface with surgical precision, effectively turning the landscape into a series of launchpads.—
Scott Travers,
Forbes.com,
29 Mar. 2025
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There’s also a touching subplot for the clumsy, muted Dopey (Andrew Barth Feldman), who’s regularly the butt of the other dwarfs’ jokes.—
Patrick Ryan,
USA TODAY,
21 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Some segments of the Democratic coalition would find Piker to be edgy, or crass, or even despicable.—
Andrew Marantz,
The New Yorker,
17 Mar. 2025
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That’s a straightforward, even sympathetic premise with a crass edge to boot.—
J. Kim Murphy,
Variety,
14 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 Chicago Bulls have been stepping up lately after a rough start following the Zach LaVine trade.—
Julia Poe,
Chicago Tribune,
21 Mar. 2025
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Combat is fun enough – melee combat is rough but serviceable, and the gunplay is decent – and the world is filled with things to do, places to go, and people to meet (and ultimately kill).—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
Newsweek,
21 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Over time, authorities also sidelined activities like sumo wrestling—considered vulgar by Westerners—in favor of baseball, boating, mountain climbing, and other activities popular in the West.—
Livia Gershon,
JSTOR Daily,
23 Mar. 2025
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Nembhard was ejected later in overtime for using vulgar language towards an official twice.—
C.J. Holmes,
New York Daily News,
21 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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The whole exchange left Brooke feeling a little uneasy.—
Carly Tagen-Dye,
People.com,
20 Mar. 2025
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Sudden shifts in tariffs and federal job cuts have left many investors feeling uneasy.—
Bruce Gil,
Quartz,
14 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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The cracking units, which break down crude oil into useful products, are delicate and complex and extremely difficult for Russian industry to replace under the current sanctions regime. Frequent and precise strikes might prevent them from being repaired, Milov told the analysis group.—
David Axe,
Forbes,
26 Mar. 2025
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That marked the start of FANG’s worst multi-year decline, which was ultimately exacerbated by crude oil going negative during COVID.—
,
CNBC,
26 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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The move garnered mixed reactions, with many calling out Brown for his rude tone and choice of words.—
Jessica Bennett,
VIBE.com,
18 Mar. 2025
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Shift The Focus To Collaboration Sometimes, rude colleagues act out of insecurity or stress.—
Cheryl Robinson,
Forbes,
17 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Rough-hewn.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rough-hewn. Accessed 2 Apr. 2025.
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