1
as in shaggy
covered with or as if with hair
a face rough with a couple days' worth of beard
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2
as in violent
marked by bursts of destructive force or intense activity
rough waters that made sailing our sloop a little risky
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3
as in turbulent
marked by wet and windy conditions
at least wear a raincoat if you're going out into that rough weather
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4
as in uneven
not having a level or smooth surface
a rough board can give you splinters
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5
as in difficult
requiring considerable physical or mental effort
a forensics expert who willingly takes on rough assignments
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6
as in tough
difficult to endure
I've had a rough time of it since I lost my job
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7
as in gruff
harsh and threatening in manner or appearance
the rough faces of hardened criminals who had spent most of their lives behind bars
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8
as in clumsy
hastily or roughly constructed
made a rough camp as darkness fell over the forest
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9
as in vulgar
lacking in refinement or good taste
he learned polite words to replace the rough language he had known growing up
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10
11
12
as in wild
marked by turmoil or disturbance especially of natural elements
after a rough week on the high seas, we were happy to sail through the gulf's more tranquil waters
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as in rowdy
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as in to chop
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Examples Sentences
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Recent Examples of rough
Shawn Hubler, New York Times, 20 Jan. 2025
The weather turned rough and forced the fearless crew — including first mate, Gilligan, and the skipper, Jonas Grumby — to detour to a nearby deserted island.
—Colson Thayer, People.com, 20 Jan. 2025
Jill Newman, Robb Report, 18 Oct. 2023
Players will also encounter four-inch rough, which has been left to grow thickly undisturbed.
—Jim Owczarski, Journal Sentinel, 15 May 2023
Scott Thompson, Fox News, 6 Oct. 2024
And some children notice it, too, one morning in their woodsy cabin’s breakfast nook, when a stranger whom their dad brought home — some kid named Bobby — roughs his way through the changes of a new song as sunlight softens the air.
—Joshua Rothkopf, Los Angeles Times, 24 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for rough 
Adjective
The road ahead for Angelenos is sure to be rough and the future is not guaranteed.
—Shawn Hubler, New York Times, 20 Jan. 2025
The weather turned rough and forced the fearless crew — including first mate, Gilligan, and the skipper, Jonas Grumby — to detour to a nearby deserted island.
—Colson Thayer, People.com, 20 Jan. 2025
Noun
That stone dates to 1878, when Charles Lewis Tiffany acquired the 287-carat rough that was unearthed in South Africa’s Kimberly mine, for a mere $18,000.
—Jill Newman, Robb Report, 18 Oct. 2023
Players will also encounter four-inch rough, which has been left to grow thickly undisturbed.
—Jim Owczarski, Journal Sentinel, 15 May 2023
Verb
However, Vikings linebacker Ivan Pace was called for roughing the kicker on 4th-and-10, which gave the Jets new life on the drive.
—Scott Thompson, Fox News, 6 Oct. 2024
And some children notice it, too, one morning in their woodsy cabin’s breakfast nook, when a stranger whom their dad brought home — some kid named Bobby — roughs his way through the changes of a new song as sunlight softens the air.
—Joshua Rothkopf, Los Angeles Times, 24 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for rough
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rough
Adjective
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Continue on with Banana Republic’s shaggy knit cardigan, a pair of knee-high boots from Jeffrey Campbell, and finally, H&M’s leopard-print ’90s bag.—
Laura Jackson,
Vogue,
9 Jan. 2025
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And there's an endearingly shaggy side to this film, all the more shocking given its then-record cost.—
Darren Franich,
EW.com,
7 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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After all, we too are drawn to violent, meaningless spectacle to distract us from matters of substance.—
Chris Vognar,
Los Angeles Times,
16 Jan. 2025
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When people receive treatment for their psychosis, their chance of violent behavior decreases.3 Challenges With Treatment Both psychosis and schizophrenia can be difficult to treat, mainly because people experiencing either one may be resistant to receiving help.—
Brittany Dube,
Health,
16 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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This data supports the growing trend in investing in collectables and historical artefacts, which are more likely to hold and increase their value in turbulent financial markets than other traditional forms of investment.—
Laia Farran Graves,
Forbes,
22 Jan. 2025
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Playing well at Torrey Pines could be another building block, after missing the cut during his turbulent 2024.—
Bryce Miller,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
21 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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Tackle dryness, fine lines, and uneven tone, while supporting your barrier.—
Christa Joanna Lee,
Allure,
23 Jan. 2025
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The products effectively target signs of aging thanks to powerful formulas that contain ingredients like caffeine, antioxidants, vitamin E, vitamin F, and other proprietary blends that smooth uneven skin tone, dullness, and wrinkles.—
Taylor Lane,
Flow Space,
21 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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The emotional weight of losing that independence is difficult to quantify, but its impact is profound.—
John Hope Bryant,
TIME,
18 Jan. 2025
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Simplifying Complexity Through Narratives Leaders often need to communicate complex strategies or concepts, which can be difficult for teams to fully grasp.—
Paola Cecchi-Dimeglio,
Forbes,
18 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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Though not nearly as consequential as Dallas losing Dončić, Minnesota took a tough blow Monday — Donte DiVincenzo will be out indefinitely due to a toe injury.—
Steven Louis Goldstein,
The Athletic,
22 Jan. 2025
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Last year was a tough one for job seekers, who on average were unemployed for 23.3 weeks in December, up from 19.4 in December 2022, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.—
Maria Gracia Santillana Linares,
Forbes,
22 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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The wartime leader became a global icon for his gruff fortitude in the opening stages of the war, but his domestic popularity has since dipped.—
David Brennan,
ABC News,
17 Jan. 2025
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Anderson recalled, adopting a gruff tone and pointing toward the audience.—
EW.com,
EW.com,
6 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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In a moment when Liston was hurling a clumsy punch and his balance was susceptible, Ali threw what looked like a swiping right graze at his opponent’s head.—
Mikal Gilmore,
Rolling Stone,
17 Jan. 2025
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Even observers who think the outlook for China’s economy is less dire agree that its growth is slowing and will be constrained by structural challenges and a clumsy policymaking process.—
Jude Blanchette,
Foreign Affairs,
7 Jan. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Rough.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rough. Accessed 29 Jan. 2025.
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