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

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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

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as in uncomfortable

causing discomfort the harsh northern climate

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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

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as in painful

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

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as in unpleasant

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

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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 Avoid triggers: Identify and avoid known irritants, such as soap and laundry detergents containing fragrances or other harsh chemicals. Try an oatmeal bath: Oatmeal baths can soothe dry, itchy, irritated skin. —

Lindsay Curtis, Health, 27 Nov. 2024 Of course, Trump has promised an immigration policy that's harsher than Florida’s, including mass deportations—something the state can’t do. —

Jena McGregor, Forbes, 25 Nov. 2024 Importantly, skip douches, which contain harsh soaps and other ingredients that’ll likely irritate your bits even more. —

Ashley Abramson, SELF, 25 Nov. 2024 Trump has promised to enact a new fiscal and economic regime, including harsh tariffs that some economists fear could have inflationary effects. —

Elizabeth Robinson, NBC News, 7 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for harsh

Recent Examples of Synonyms for harsh

Adjective

Another commenter urged the original poster to stand her ground, and suggested a practical approach in the midst of the tough situation.

Rachel Raposas, People.com, 30 Nov. 2024
Powell inhabits a handful of tough guys and embodies a few more idiosyncratic tropes—a long-haired Russian, a Patrick Bateman power-suit type, and a character seemingly inspired by Tilda Swinton—to convince his marks.

Ian Crouch, The New Yorker, 29 Nov. 2024