1
as in bitterness
a harsh or sharp quality
there was a harshness about her voice that made her an unlikely but surprisingly evocative singer of torch songs
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in severity
the quality or state of being demanding or unyielding (as in discipline or criticism)
was surprised at the harshness of the choirmaster's criticism, since he was usually pretty easygoing
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Examples Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for harshness
Noun
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The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) noted a post-2020 increase in both the frequency and severity of such incidents, although specific links to alcohol consumption remain unclear.—
John Mac Ghlionn,
Newsweek,
14 Jan. 2025 -
Each country is then assigned a 0-100 score on our Atrocities Scope and Scale Heuristic – providing a single metric for the breadth and severity of atrocities committed within a certain year.—
Collin J. Meisel,
The Conversation,
13 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Customers can get their first bites of the new steak garlic nacho fries Thursday, Jan. 16, at participating Taco Bell restaurants nationwide, according to the fast-food chain.—
Tanasia Kenney,
Kansas City Star,
15 Jan. 2025
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The impact of the former could be more bark than bite, given that the U.S. has significantly reduced its dependence on Chinese imports over the past decade.—
Wes Moss,
Forbes,
14 Jan. 2025
Noun
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During Vrabel’s early days in Tennessee, players would walk into team meetings on edge.—
Chad Graff,
The Athletic,
22 Jan. 2025
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The job market is always shifting, but staying adaptable gives you the edge.—
Sho Dewan,
Forbes,
22 Jan. 2025
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Thesaurus Entries Near harshness
Cite this Entry
“Harshness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/harshness. Accessed 27 Jan. 2025.
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