rough 1 of 3

adjective

ˈrəf How to pronounce rough (audio)
Definition of roughnext
1
as in uneven
not having a level or smooth surface a rough board can give you splinters

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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 difficult
requiring considerable physical or mental effort a forensics expert who willingly takes on rough assignments

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5
as in tough
difficult to endure I've had a rough time of it since I lost my job

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6
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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7
as in clumsy
hastily or roughly constructed made a rough camp as darkness fell over the forest

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8
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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9
as in shaggy
covered with or as if with hair a face rough with a couple days' worth of beard

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10
as in hairy
made of or resembling hair a rough-coated dog who was always shedding his fur

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11
as in bumpy
marked by a series of sharp quick motions a rough flight that left some passengers nauseated

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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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rough

2 of 3

noun

as in rowdy

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rough

3 of 3

verb

as in to chop

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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective rough contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of rough are harsh, rugged, scabrous, and uneven. While all these words mean "not smooth or even," rough implies points, bristles, ridges, or projections on the surface.

a rough wooden board

In what contexts can harsh take the place of rough?

While in some cases nearly identical to rough, harsh implies a surface or texture distinctly unpleasant to the touch.

a harsh fabric that chafes the skin

When is rugged a more appropriate choice than rough?

In some situations, the words rugged and rough are roughly equivalent. However, rugged implies irregularity or roughness of land surface and connotes difficulty of travel.

a rugged landscape

Where would scabrous be a reasonable alternative to rough?

Although the words scabrous and rough have much in common, scabrous implies scaliness or prickliness of surface.

a scabrous leaf

When might uneven be a better fit than rough?

The meanings of uneven and rough largely overlap; however, uneven implies a lack of uniformity in height, breadth, or quality.

an old house with uneven floors

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 rough
Adjective
Although the Braves have hit a rough patch, their fans are hopeful the All-Star break will give their team an opportunity to recover and get back on track, after losing 19 of their last 30 games. — AJC.com, 15 July 2026 French defender Adrien Rabiot was issued the card after a rough tackle on Spain’s Dani Olmo. — Jim Barnes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 July 2026
Noun
Cole getting a huge break after his ball somehow bounced through the left rough before settling on the edge of the short grass. — CBS News, 31 May 2026 The first official day of practice for the PGA Championship brought a reminder that accuracy this week is more about shots into the green than avoiding bunkers or the healthy rough. — ABC News, 11 May 2026
Verb
Her selection enraged Iran’s hard-line Shiite theocracy, which increased her prison time and later sent guards to rough her up along with other prisoners who were protesting inside Evin Prison. — ABC News, 1 May 2026 This gorgeous camp on the edge of the Tibetan Plateau brings you back to nomad-style basics, without roughing it. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for rough
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rough
  1. uneven
  2. violent
  3. turbulent
  4. difficult
  5. tough
  6. gruff
  7. clumsy
  8. vulgar
Adjective
  • The uneven overall performance can be traced back — first and foremost — to a leaky defense.
    — Kyle Foley, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 July 2026
  • The uneven elevation of Spain’s mountainous regions could obstruct viewing the eclipse, as could a line of trees or a smattering of buildings.
    — Catherine Tansey, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 July 2026
Definition of uneven
Adjective
  • Bullish risk reversal In an attempt to capitalize on the historically expensive downside SPCX options and position for a violent snap-back, this risk reversal seeks to finance upside exposure by fading the put skew.
    — Jeff Kilburg, CNBC, 17 July 2026
  • As the administration forges ahead with its immigration enforcement campaign, former ICE officials and policing experts warned that resuming vehicle stops without a thorough review of training or tactics could lead to more violent encounters.
    — Christopher Cann, USA Today, 17 July 2026
Definition of violent
Adjective
  • The story of Stan Lee’s turbulent last years is finally getting the documentary treatment.
    — Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 14 July 2026
  • Shane O’Neill This was a late addition to the annals of 1968, one of the most turbulent years in American history.
    — Steven Johnson, Washington Post, 14 July 2026
Definition of turbulent
Adjective
  • Unlike dogs, they cannot simply be taken on longer walks, often resist dietary changes, and can be difficult to medicate consistently, making GLP-1 therapies potentially attractive if clinical trials prove successful.
    — Elsa Ohlen,Carolin Roth, CNBC, 18 July 2026
  • Their stories recount the devastation to homes and businesses, life in temporary shelters, and the difficult process of rebuilding or relocating.
    — Michelle Oliva-Espinosa, Kansas City Star, 18 July 2026
Definition of difficult
Adjective
  • White, when give the chance, has displayed a diverse offensive game, a defensive bent and an ability to make tough shots.
    — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 17 July 2026
  • The stakes for new avatar don’t feel quite as high—the specific circumstances around the former was a perfect storm that'll be tough to duplicate—but the music isn’t any less potent for it.
    — Lawrence Burney, Pitchfork, 16 July 2026
Definition of tough
Adjective
  • Homer’s character, notorious as a schemer, here comes off as plain and direct—a gruff, practical tactician, rather than something more energetically inventive and morally dubious.
    — Richard Brody, New Yorker, 15 July 2026
  • The New Zealander drew international acclaim for roles as gruff loners and unhinged villains.
    — Harrison Smith, Washington Post, 13 July 2026
Definition of gruff
Adjective
  • And the big rocket launch feels way too clumsy, the stakes feeling much lower than play builds towards.
    — David John Chávez, Mercury News, 17 July 2026
  • Paul Breitner, West Germany vs Netherlands, 1974 The Germans equalise from the spot after a clumsy foul by Wim Jansen.
    — Adam Hurrey, New York Times, 17 July 2026
Definition of clumsy
Adjective
  • Lonnie is loud, obnoxious, and vulgar in ways that rankle traditional golfers.
    — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 16 July 2026
  • Suki, a vocal Black woman with an at times vulgar persona, whereas Althoff, a white woman, gained a reputation as an awkward, seemingly timid interviewer on her The Really Good Podcast.
    — Meagan Jordan, VIBE.com, 10 July 2026
Definition of vulgar

Phrases Containing rough

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rouges
rough
rough-and-ready
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Cite this Entry

“Rough.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rough. Accessed 20 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on rough

Nglish: Translation of rough for Spanish Speakers

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