Synonyms of rough-hewnnext
1
: being in a rough, unsmoothed, or unfinished state : crudely formed
rough-hewn beams
2
: lacking refinement
… charming in a rough-hewn kind of way.Timothy Ferris

Examples of rough-hewn in a Sentence

a survivalist living in a rough-hewn shelter in the wilderness a rough-hewn kid who had to learn how to behave properly in polite company rough-hewn military cadets feeling a little self-conscious at their first formal dance
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The couple created Boni’s as a slightly more rough-hewn and masculine version of their bespoke sister restaurant. Matthew Odam, Austin American Statesman, 4 Mar. 2026 Instead, bright gems are pressed into genderless, chunky silver rings; handmade chain links appear rough-hewn and finger prints and file marks are visible in gold bands, a style that grew out of Vernon’s own learning process. Kate Matthams, Forbes.com, 24 Feb. 2026 Limón, 46, the daughter of Mexican immigrants, has a much calmer personality than many of her rough-hewn male predecessors. George Skelton, Mercury News, 21 Jan. 2026 Limón, 46, the daughter of Mexican immigrants, has a much calmer personality than many of her rough-hewn male predecessors. Los Angeles Times, 19 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for rough-hewn

Word History

First Known Use

1530, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of rough-hewn was in 1530

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Cite this Entry

“Rough-hewn.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rough-hewn. Accessed 1 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

rough-hewn

adjective
ˈrəf-ˈhyün
1
: being rough or unfinished
rough-hewn beams
2
: lacking smooth manners or social grace
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