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

Relevance

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in uncomfortable

causing discomfort the harsh northern climate

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in painful

hard to accept or bear especially emotionally the harsh reality of failure harsh words of criticism from her music teacher

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in unpleasant

not giving pleasure to the mind or senses winced at the harsh sound that the beginner violinist was making

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 The Fellowship of Affirming Ministries has created similar congregations in Rwanda and Uganda, but the Ugandan congregation went entirely online after an even harsher anti-gay bill was passed in March 2023. —

Sarah Hurtes, New York Times, 29 Dec. 2024 Key Ingredients: Free of harsh surfactants (SLS and SLES) and parabens, Pattern’s shampoo features a nourishing blend of aloe vera leaf juice, coconut oil, castor seed oil, shea butter, and honey. —

Kiana Murden, Vogue, 28 Dec. 2024 The currency plunged as Iran ordered the closure of schools, universities, and government offices on Wednesday due to a worsening energy crisis exacerbated by harsh winter conditions. —

Benjamin Weinthal, Fox News, 27 Dec. 2024 Relying on harsh overhead lighting can cause a room to feel clinical and cold while too few lights make a room feel dim and sleepy. —

Mary Catherine McAnnally Scott, Southern Living, 24 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for harsh

Recent Examples of Synonyms for harsh

Adjective

Carro, known for his tough stance on crime and his experience with cases involving terrorism enhancements, will play a key role in shaping the trial's proceedings.

Hannah Parry, Newsweek, 24 Dec. 2024
Business has been especially tough for foreign brands in China, where electric vehicle manufacturers such as BYD are leading the way as demand grows for less polluting vehicles.

AFP, Fortune Asia, 23 Dec. 2024