raw 1 of 2

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as in crude
being such as found in nature and not altered by processing or refining raw sugar is honey-colored because the crystals retain cane juices, minerals, and other impurities that haven't been refined out

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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as in biting
causing intense discomfort to one's skin bundle up if you're going sailing, as there's a raw wind out there in the bay

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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raw

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noun

as in nudity
the state of having no clothes on one's body a secluded swimming hole where we could swim in the raw

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective raw differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of raw are crude, rough, and rude. While all these words mean "lacking in social refinement," raw suggests being untested, inexperienced, or unfinished.

turning raw youths into polished performers

When might crude be a better fit than raw?

The words crude and raw can be used in similar contexts, but crude may apply to thought or behavior limited to the gross, the obvious, or the primitive.

a crude joke

When could rough be used to replace raw?

The meanings of rough and raw largely overlap; however, rough is likely to stress lack of polish and gentleness.

rough manners

When is rude a more appropriate choice than raw?

The words rude and raw are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, rude implies ignorance of or indifference to good form; it may suggest intentional discourtesy.

rude behavior

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 raw
Adjective
Star fruit can be eaten raw or paired with other quick and convenient foods like cheese and nuts. Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, Rdn, Ld, Health, 13 Jan. 2025 How to Eat Chia Seeds With a mild, neutral flavor, chia seeds can be eaten raw or cooked, and are used in both sweet and savory recipes. Annie Peterson, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Jan. 2025
Noun
Employee cracked a raw shelled egg with gloved hands then handled a clean plate and kitchen utensils without washing hands between tasks. Ebony Day, azcentral, 25 Dec. 2019 Tim RoneyGetty Images Her 1995 raw, ragey, best-selling album, Jagged Little Pill, spoke to a generation—and inspired a musical of the same name, opening on Broadway this month. Alanis Morissette, Marie Claire, 8 Nov. 2019 See all Example Sentences for raw 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for raw
Adjective
  • Recipe Tips From The Southern Living Test Kitchen One cup of uncooked rice will yield about three cups of cooked rice.
    Craig Ruff, Southern Living, 14 Jan. 2025
  • Do not eat uncooked or undercooked animal products.
    Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 7 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Goldman Sachs estimates that the vessels targeted by the sanctions amounted to 25% of Russia’s energy exports, with the majority being crude oil.
    Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 12 Jan. 2025
  • With 1 million barrels of crude oil aboard, it had been struck and later sabotaged with explosives by the Houthis as part of their campaign over the Israel-Hamas war in the Gaza Strip.
    JON GAMBRELL THE ASSOCIATED PRESS, arkansasonline.com, 11 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • But wearied by a turbulent couple of years that saw points deductions, relegation battles and near-constant speculation over the future of the club, the 53-year-old made clear his view that his methods were no longer having the same impact.
    Patrick Boyland, The Athletic, 10 Jan. 2025
  • Aikman too had some turbulent times early in his career with the Dallas Cowboys.
    Sam Farmer, Los Angeles Times, 10 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Tim Lammers However, if film purists insist that Misery—despite the horror pedigree of the author who wrote the source material—is not a horror film, there is a chilling classic from the early 1970s that experienced Golden Globes glory that undeniably is.
    Tim Lammers, Forbes, 6 Jan. 2025
  • Most of his victims were reportedly friends and family, adding a chilling layer to the tragedy.
    Kevin Lynn, Newsweek, 6 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Created by Tony McNamara, who earned Oscar nominations for his writing work on both The Favourite and Poor Things, The Great offers the same combination of lush costumes and scenery mixed with a biting commentary on the world, and a woman’s place in it.
    Jennifer M. Wood, WIRED, 5 Nov. 2024
  • Her awful journey is a raging scream against the patriarchy and a biting critique of how women are viewed, especially by other women.
    The Week US, theweek, 17 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Plus, since most of the app's content is in Mandarin, subtitles are suddenly rampant — as are posts from Americans who want to learn the language, including by exchanging translations of popular slang phrases with Chinese commenters.
    Rachel Treisman, NPR, 15 Jan. 2025
  • Recent stories of noncitizens registering to vote in the upcoming general election might have led some to believe the activity is rampant in North Texas.
    Cody Copeland, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Object Of The Week: The Pleiades This week, the moon will occult the Pleiades, the closest open cluster of stars to the solar system and a spectacular sight with both the naked eye and through binoculars.
    Jamie Carter, Forbes, 6 Jan. 2025
  • But more general data, not to mention the evidence from the naked eye, suggests there is room for improvement in Strand Larsen’s all-round game.
    Steve Madeley, The Athletic, 6 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • In photos: Palisades Fire threatens L.A. homes Go deeper: How wildfire smoke impacts your health LA's wildfires sparked by rare collision of climate factors Editor's note: This article has been updated with new details throughout.
    Rebecca Falconer, Axios, 9 Jan. 2025
  • Fairuz Iconic Lebanese singer The legendary Lebanese singer turned a spry 90 last year and though her public appearances are rare these days, her legacy is stronger than ever.
    SPIN Staff, SPIN, 9 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near raw

Cite this Entry

“Raw.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/raw. Accessed 21 Jan. 2025.

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