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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective uneven contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of uneven are harsh, rough, rugged, and scabrous. While all these words mean "not smooth or even," uneven implies a lack of uniformity in height, breadth, or quality.

an old house with uneven floors

When is harsh a more appropriate choice than uneven?

The synonyms harsh and uneven are sometimes interchangeable, but harsh implies a surface or texture distinctly unpleasant to the touch.

a harsh fabric that chafes the skin

In what contexts can rough take the place of uneven?

While in some cases nearly identical to uneven, rough implies points, bristles, ridges, or projections on the surface.

a rough wooden board

When could rugged be used to replace uneven?

The words rugged and uneven are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, rugged implies irregularity or roughness of land surface and connotes difficulty of travel.

a rugged landscape

When is it sensible to use scabrous instead of uneven?

While the synonyms scabrous and uneven are close in meaning, scabrous implies scaliness or prickliness of surface.

a scabrous leaf

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 uneven Sandals and flip-flops are not recommended because of the uneven surfaces. Dan Kelly, Kansas City Star, 11 Sep. 2025 With the exception of Nick Pivetta, their rotation defines uneven performance. Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Sep. 2025 Inspect the tires thoroughly for wear and tear and uneven wear. Jamie L. Lareau, Freep.com, 10 Sep. 2025 The pre-snap process was lethargic, the playmaking was uneven, and the center-to-quarterback exchange was inconsistent. Mike Kaye september 10, Charlotte Observer, 10 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for uneven
Recent Examples of Synonyms for uneven
Adjective
  • There is nothing quite like the view from Monterey Bay—jagged coastline and evergreens framing a strip of blue.
    Beth Lew-Williams, New Yorker, 13 Sep. 2025
  • Visitors will find themselves with jaws agape at the striking jagged mountain peaks, looming glaciers, and slick icebergs, all set to the backdrop of moody, misty weather—this is a photographer’s dream adventure.
    Stefanie Waldek, AFAR Media, 12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Their boss, the only one not carrying a blaster, pointed a long crooked finger at Rusty and all the Blasters were raised at Rusty in unison.
    Manuel Muñoz, Literary Hub, 11 Sep. 2025
  • For a Chicago Cubs lineup that has struggled lately to consistently score runs, let alone put up a crooked number, Friday’s opener against the Colorado Rockies provided the ideal bounce-back environment coming off the sweep in San Francisco.
    Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 30 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • After their rough start to SEC play, the Razorbacks finished with an 8-10 conference record, good enough to earn a bid to the NCAA Tournament.
    Michael Harley, Arkansas Online, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Despite its rough appearance, the system helped operators better judge distance and handle tasks more precisely.
    Kapil Kajal, Interesting Engineering, 12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Light and shadow play across the tilted façades, creating a dynamic and surreal composition.
    Cecilia Rodriguez, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2025
  • The tilted pinnacle resembles a jaunty ship cutting through clear air.
    Roger Naylor, AZCentral.com, 29 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Fighting off predators, fending for food, and living in rugged terrain with harsh conditions – this was not a means of living for the weak.
    Aly Walansky, Forbes.com, 13 Sep. 2025
  • Limited access and steep rugged terrain will continue to hamper suppression.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 13 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Corporate governance has long grappled with the challenge of information asymmetry—the unequal distribution of critical knowledge between management and oversight bodies such as boards and shareholders.
    Michael Hilb, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
  • Clairet alleges her tenure at Disney started on unequal footing, accusing the company of hiring a man for the same work but with a more senior title and higher pay.
    Winston Cho, HollywoodReporter, 2 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • After going down with an oblique injury earlier this month, top rookie Roman Anthony was given a four-to-six-week timeline for a potential return to the lineup.
    Peter Chawaga, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Hill missed nearly a month of training camp and preseason with an oblique injury.
    Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 10 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • In my experience, redeeming a broken industry requires regaining consumer trust by delivering empathy, transparency, and a process that works for clients, especially in a space that has historically worked against the interests of consumers.
    Brandon Aversano, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Across the eastern Baltic states (an area pertaining to modern-day Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania), there are even more examples of broken tools in Stone Age burials.
    Sarah Durn, Popular Science, 11 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Uneven.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/uneven. Accessed 16 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on uneven

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