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
Most are likely unaware of the many dangers drinking raw milk can expose you to. Judy Stone, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024 Wisconsin’s raw milk movement may soon get a boost from President-elect Donald Trump’s pick for Health and Human Services Secretary, despite illness outbreaks and proven public safety risks, Rick Barrett reports. Hope Karnopp, Journal Sentinel, 12 Dec. 2024
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
  • However, the 13 photos inside the album were actually of a group of people with a piece of uncooked meat, quite literally, resting on their shoulders.
    Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 6 Dec. 2024
  • Always wash hands after handling uncooked meat, chicken and other poultry, seafood, flour, or eggs.
    Susan Selasky, Detroit Free Press, 26 Oct. 2024
Adjective
  • Given that Ontario is not a major producer of crude oil, Ford’s threat appeared to specifically apply to electricity the United States imports from Canada.
    Matt Egan, CNN, 13 Dec. 2024
  • Canada provides natural gas to the U.S. and roughly 20% of the crude oil used by its southern neighbor.
    Ahmad Mukhtar, CBS News, 12 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • These winds can cause significant damage, increase the frequency of wildfires, and make firefighting efforts more challenging, while also posing aviation hazards and creating turbulent surf conditions.
    Hannah Parry, Newsweek, 11 Dec. 2024
  • The special finds Iglesias in his 27th year in comedy, reminiscing on the perils of life: from dating, to home break-ins, to turbulent plane rides.
    Matt Grobar, Deadline, 11 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Nevertheless, experts note that Patel's approach might focus on using civil lawsuits or laws like the Espionage Act to target leakers of classified information, a tactic not directly implicating press freedoms but potentially chilling journalistic activity.
    Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 6 Dec. 2024
  • In one particularly chilling scene, Matthews gives a rousing rally speech that had to be delivered with conviction by Hoult.
    Mark Olsen, Los Angeles Times, 6 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • 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
  • As playwright, Barbot sits between them, turning the mainstream obscurity of his protagonists into a biting political point, and reflecting poignantly on the long arc of history, which sure seems to take its sweet time bending toward justice.
    Sara Holdren, Vulture, 11 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • The gap in information has left a void, being filled with rampant speculation, including outlandish conspiracy theories.
    Raja Krishnamoorthi, Newsweek, 16 Dec. 2024
  • Worse, outsourcing has become rampant, with high-paying IT jobs migrating to countries like India and Eastern Europe.
    Joel Shulman, Forbes, 15 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Carpenter skipped a matching red manicure in favor of short, naked nails and cozied up in a black and white faux fur vintage Chanel jacket and miniskirt ensemble.
    Kara Nesvig, Allure, 6 Dec. 2024
  • What’s lost is the heat and swashbuckling adventure of the original tale, a humanist turn that finds Odysseus at the end of his mortal coil, Fiennes at first haggard, awash naked on the shores of Ithaca after a shipwreck has left him unmoored and divorced from his former kingdom.
    Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 6 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • This diverse skill set is rare yet increasingly necessary in an environment where investor attention is scarce and competition for capital is fierce.
    Anthony Milewski, Forbes, 10 Dec. 2024
  • It’s been rare, in my experience, that the trade market is the first to go.
    Dan Hayes, The Athletic, 10 Dec. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near raw

Cite this Entry

“Raw.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/raw. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

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