raw 1 of 2

1
2
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

3
4
5
6
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

7
8

raw

2 of 2

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

Example 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
Nemi offers riffs on traditional dishes, which might include fresh fish served raw or topped with hoja santa butter, duck confit in flour tortillas or pork belly served with beans and nopales. The New York Times News Service Syndicate, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 June 2025 Instead, raw oats are mixed with liquid and left to soften slowly overnight in the refrigerator. Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 29 June 2025
Noun
Raw beef stored above raw shelled eggs, crab and shrimp. Ebony Day, azcentral, 4 Mar. 2020 Several open pans of raw shelled eggs stored directly above ready-to-eat leafy greens in cooler. Ebony Day, azcentral, 15 Jan. 2020 See All Example Sentences for raw
Recent Examples of Synonyms for raw
Adjective
  • While uncooked eggs usually last in the fridge for longer, the process of hard-cooking eggs creates a thin layer of water between the cooked egg and the shell, which becomes an inviting environment for bacteria to grow, including the kinds of bacteria that lead an egg to spoil, per the USDA.
    Hannah Yasharoff, USA Today, 30 June 2025
  • Young brought out a pot of clean boiling water and a tray of perfect rows of uncooked gnocchi from the shadow kitchen behind the set.
    Allen Salkin, HollywoodReporter, 18 June 2025
Adjective
  • In other dealings early Monday, U.S. benchmark crude oil lost 15 cents to $65.37 per barrel.
    Elaine Kurtenbach, Chicago Tribune, 30 June 2025
  • About 60% of U.S. crude oil imports are from Canada, and 85% of U.S. electricity imports as well.
    Preston Fore, Fortune, 28 June 2025
Adjective
  • Reina, Fil-Am team center back, brings us on this turbulent journey, culminating in an intimate trip to her grandmother’s hometown in the Philippines.
    Matthew Carey, Deadline, 25 June 2025
  • Even Zelensky – who has had a turbulent relationship with Trump – came away with wins.
    Joseph Ataman, CNN Money, 25 June 2025
Adjective
  • Finally, Trump’s travel ban could have a chilling effect on future foreign medical applicants to the U.S. Prospective physicians may be deterred from considering medical training programs in America given the challenges and hurdles present in securing visas.
    Omer Awan, Forbes.com, 6 July 2025
  • Critics said the program fueled a narrative of bias and created a chilling effect among the academic community.
    Kate Armanini, Chicago Tribune, 4 July 2025
Adjective
  • Attendees in The Hague have framed the defense spending pledge and snappy communique as a response to the threat of Russia, not just the biting condemnation of the U.S. president.
    Ellie Cook — reporting from The Hague, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 June 2025
  • As always, Danan’s voice is hysterically funny, her characters’ exhibiting a wry and biting sense of humor.
    Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 19 May 2025
Adjective
  • The speculation was rampant all around the league when news of James’ decision broke, with rival executives wondering if this was a precursor to a trade request (James, remember, has a no-trade clause and could thus control any such move).
    Sam Amick, New York Times, 30 June 2025
  • The rampant abuse of 9-year-old Owen started as early as June 2023 and continued up until his death Sept. 19, 2024 when police were called to the home for an unresponsive child, prosecutors said.
    Kate Linderman, Kansas City Star, 27 June 2025
Adjective
  • Throughout summer 2025, Gomez has been at the forefront of this year's most minimalist nail trends—from simple purple pastels to nearly naked glass manicures—but that hasn't always been her preference.
    Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 5 July 2025
  • The first person to arrive at the home was a Warren County sheriff’s deputy, who saw Sarah lying naked on the floor of the couple’s bedroom.
    Kevin Grasha, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025
Adjective
  • LPTs are a new and rare group of cosmic objects discovered in 2022.
    Mia Thurow, USA Today, 26 June 2025
  • Among the most notable highlights: Providence in Hollywood earned its third star, while Somni, in West Hollywood, made a stunning debut with three stars—a rare and remarkable feat.
    Jim Dobson, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Raw.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/raw. Accessed 10 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on raw

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!