ROUGH Synonyms: 695 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of rough are harsh , rugged , scabrous , and uneven . While all these words mean "not smooth or even," rough implies points, bristles, ridges, or projections on the surface. // a rough wooden board

Q: In what contexts can 'harsh' take the place of 'rough'?

While in some cases nearly identical to rough , harsh implies a surface or texture distinctly unpleasant to the touch. // a harsh fabric that chafes the skin

Q: When is 'rugged' a more appropriate choice than 'rough'?

In some situations, the words rugged and rough are roughly equivalent. However, rugged implies irregularity or roughness of land surface and connotes difficulty of travel. // a rugged landscape

Q: Where would 'scabrous' be a reasonable alternative to 'rough'?

Although the words scabrous and rough have much in common, scabrous implies scaliness or prickliness of surface. // a scabrous leaf

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

The meanings of uneven and rough largely overlap; however, uneven implies a lack of uniformity in height, breadth, or quality. // an old house with uneven floors

rough 1 of 3

adjective

ˈrəf

Definition of rough next

as in shaggy

covered with or as if with hair a face rough with a couple days' worth of beard

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Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in violent

marked by bursts of destructive force or intense activity rough waters that made sailing our sloop a little risky

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as in turbulent

marked by wet and windy conditions at least wear a raincoat if you're going out into that rough weather

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as in uneven

not having a level or smooth surface a rough board can give you splinters

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as in difficult

requiring considerable physical or mental effort a forensics expert who willingly takes on rough assignments

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as in tough

difficult to endure I've had a rough time of it since I lost my job

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as in gruff

harsh and threatening in manner or appearance the rough faces of hardened criminals who had spent most of their lives behind bars

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as in clumsy

hastily or roughly constructed made a rough camp as darkness fell over the forest

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as in vulgar

lacking in refinement or good taste he learned polite words to replace the rough language he had known growing up

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as in hairy

made of or resembling hair a rough-coated dog who was always shedding his fur

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as in bumpy

marked by a series of sharp quick motions a rough flight that left some passengers nauseated

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as in wild

marked by turmoil or disturbance especially of natural elements after a rough week on the high seas, we were happy to sail through the gulf's more tranquil waters

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rough

2 of 3

noun

as in rowdy

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rough

3 of 3

verb

as in to chop

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective rough contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of rough are harsh, rugged, scabrous, and uneven. While all these words mean "not smooth or even," rough implies points, bristles, ridges, or projections on the surface.

a rough wooden board

In what contexts can harsh take the place of rough?

While in some cases nearly identical to rough, harsh implies a surface or texture distinctly unpleasant to the touch.

a harsh fabric that chafes the skin

When is rugged a more appropriate choice than rough?

In some situations, the words rugged and rough are roughly equivalent. However, rugged implies irregularity or roughness of land surface and connotes difficulty of travel.

a rugged landscape

Where would scabrous be a reasonable alternative to rough?

Although the words scabrous and rough have much in common, scabrous implies scaliness or prickliness of surface.

a scabrous leaf

When might uneven be a better fit than rough?

The meanings of uneven and rough largely overlap; however, uneven implies a lack of uniformity in height, breadth, or quality.

an old house with uneven floors

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 rough

Adjective

The road ahead for Angelenos is sure to be rough and the future is not guaranteed. —

Shawn Hubler, New York Times, 20 Jan. 2025 The weather turned rough and forced the fearless crew — including first mate, Gilligan, and the skipper, Jonas Grumby — to detour to a nearby deserted island. —

Colson Thayer, People.com, 20 Jan. 2025

Noun

That stone dates to 1878, when Charles Lewis Tiffany acquired the 287-carat rough that was unearthed in South Africa’s Kimberly mine, for a mere $18,000. —

Jill Newman, Robb Report, 18 Oct. 2023 Players will also encounter four-inch rough, which has been left to grow thickly undisturbed. —

Jim Owczarski, Journal Sentinel, 15 May 2023

Verb

However, Vikings linebacker Ivan Pace was called for roughing the kicker on 4th-and-10, which gave the Jets new life on the drive. —

Scott Thompson, Fox News, 6 Oct. 2024 And some children notice it, too, one morning in their woodsy cabin’s breakfast nook, when a stranger whom their dad brought home — some kid named Bobby — roughs his way through the changes of a new song as sunlight softens the air. —

Joshua Rothkopf, Los Angeles Times, 24 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for rough

Recent Examples of Synonyms for rough

Adjective

Continue on with Banana Republic’s shaggy knit cardigan, a pair of knee-high boots from Jeffrey Campbell, and finally, H&M’s leopard-print ’90s bag.

— Laura Jackson, Vogue, 9 Jan. 2025
And there's an endearingly shaggy side to this film, all the more shocking given its then-record cost.

— Darren Franich, EW.com, 7 Jan. 2025