RUDE Synonyms: 377 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'rude' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of rude are crude , raw , and rough . While all these words mean "lacking in social refinement," rude implies ignorance of or indifference to good form; it may suggest intentional discourtesy. // rude behavior

Q: Where would 'crude' be a reasonable alternative to 'rude'?

The words crude and rude are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, crude may apply to thought or behavior limited to the gross, the obvious, or the primitive. // a crude joke

Q: When would 'raw' be a good substitute for 'rude'?

In some situations, the words raw and rude are roughly equivalent. However, raw suggests being untested, inexperienced, or unfinished. // turning raw youths into polished performers

Q: When is 'rough' a more appropriate choice than 'rude'?

The synonyms rough and rude are sometimes interchangeable, but rough is likely to stress lack of polish and gentleness. // rough manners

rude

adjective

ˈrüd

Definition of rude next

as in clumsy

hastily or roughly constructed a rude shelter built from unfinished logs by some forgotten pioneer

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as in primitive

belonging to or characteristic of an early level of skill or development rude stone tools

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as in crass

lacking in refinement or good taste a comedian who uses a lot of rude language in his nightclub act

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as in barbarian

not civilized missionaries who believed that it was their duty to convert the rude peoples of the world

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as in disrespectful

showing a lack of manners or consideration for others it's rude to call someone "ugly"

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as in ignorant

lacking in education or the knowledge gained from books rude hillbillies they might have been, but they produced music with real poignancy

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as in crude

being such as found in nature and not altered by processing or refining rude pelts that were sent to Europe to be fashioned into elegant hats and coats

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rude people

impolite people

bad-mannered people

disrespectful people

nasty people

unkind people

a rude gesture

an impolite gesture

an offensive gesture

a vulgar gesture

a nasty gesture

a gross gesture

rude behavior

impolite behavior

disrespectful behavior

nasty behavior

unpleasant behavior

poor behavior

rude treatment

inconsiderate treatment

disrespectful treatment

ungracious treatment

discourteous treatment

impolite treatment

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective rude differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of rude are crude, raw, and rough. While all these words mean "lacking in social refinement," rude implies ignorance of or indifference to good form; it may suggest intentional discourtesy.

rude behavior

Where would crude be a reasonable alternative to rude?

The words crude and rude are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, crude may apply to thought or behavior limited to the gross, the obvious, or the primitive.

a crude joke

When would raw be a good substitute for rude?

In some situations, the words raw and rude are roughly equivalent. However, raw suggests being untested, inexperienced, or unfinished.

turning raw youths into polished performers

When is rough a more appropriate choice than rude?

The synonyms rough and rude are sometimes interchangeable, but rough is likely to stress lack of polish and gentleness.

rough manners

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 rude Pretty sure no one at HGTV told you to be rude to me. —

Sara Vallone, Miami Herald, 7 Jan. 2025 Pretty sure no one at HGTV told you to be rude to me…. —

Armando Tinoco, Deadline, 6 Jan. 2025 Less than one day into 2025, the superstar has already punched in with one of her characteristic comebacks, shutting down a troll who demanded new music and called her a rude name on Instagram Wednesday (Jan. 1). —

Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 2 Jan. 2025 Several replies praised the user for taking such direct action against someone who was rude to them. —

Charlotte Phillipp, People.com, 27 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for rude

Recent Examples of Synonyms for rude

Adjective

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
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