Definition of coarsenext
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Synonym Chooser

How is the word coarse different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of coarse are gross, obscene, ribald, and vulgar. While all these words mean "offensive to good taste or morals," coarse implies roughness, rudeness, or crudeness of spirit, behavior, or language.

found the coarse humor of coworkers offensive

When can gross be used instead of coarse?

The words gross and coarse can be used in similar contexts, but gross implies extreme coarseness and insensitiveness.

gross eating habits

When could obscene be used to replace coarse?

While the synonyms obscene and coarse are close in meaning, obscene applies to anything strongly repulsive to the sense of decency and propriety especially in sexual matters.

obscene language not allowed on the air

Where would ribald be a reasonable alternative to coarse?

The meanings of ribald and coarse largely overlap; however, ribald applies to what is amusingly or picturesquely vulgar or irreverent or mildly indecent.

entertained the campers with ribald folk songs

When might vulgar be a better fit than coarse?

The words vulgar and coarse are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, vulgar often implies boorishness or ill-breeding.

a loud vulgar belch

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 coarse While many outdoor rugs are made from plastic, this one is crafted from 100 percent natural jute, a coarse but sturdy material that’s guaranteed to hold up over time. Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 13 Mar. 2026 People also differ on what grind is optimal; a coarser grind seems to work best for me. Jakob Schiller, Outside, 13 Mar. 2026 However, people with coarse, curly, or textured hair may find that frequent shampooing dries out the hair shaft and leads to breakage, said Kopelman. Kathleen Ferraro, Verywell Health, 11 Mar. 2026 That was a bit of a turnoff for this old traditionalist, who thinks politics has gotten too coarse and foul-mouthed. Los Angeles Times, 9 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for coarse
Recent Examples of Synonyms for coarse
Adjective
  • The brand’s classic coats were joined by handsome bomber jackets in grained leather or suede, cocooning puffers and enveloping shearling jackets and stoles that were lined with contrasting napa for extra luxe.
    Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 2 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Doncic claimed Bitadze directed a vulgar comment about Doncic’s family in Serbian toward the Lakers star guard.
    Broderick Turner, Los Angeles Times, 28 Mar. 2026
  • Tensions rose, neighbors said, to the point that King was heard at times swearing at Kirsten Wells as well as others using vulgar epithets.
    Laura Bauer, Kansas City Star, 26 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Lauren Elliott, though, was a designer at Broderbund Games, working in a former liquor store beneath a sign that said DEPARTMENT OF REDUNDANCY REDUCTION DEPARTMENT alongside an impish ex-Disney animator named Gene Portwood who often doodled Mickey Mouse in obscene poses.
    Eric Boodman, Vulture, 25 Mar. 2026
  • Using obscene or abusive language Any use of profanity, insults or abusive language is prohibited under the FDCPA.
    Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 17 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • As her own doppelgänger, Red, Nyong'o is as terrifying as Adelaide is terrified, speaking with a distinctive, hoarse voice that sends a chill up your spine.
    Kevin Jacobsen, Entertainment Weekly, 14 Mar. 2026
  • Tears have been shed, throats have been screamed hoarse.
    Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 10 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • But in the early 19th century, mathematicians started to encounter phenomena — infinite sums and strange, jagged curves, for instance — that defied their intuition for what was possible.
    Leila Sloman, Quanta Magazine, 25 Mar. 2026
  • Photos and video show the explorers squeezing through jagged crevices deep inside the karsts, using flashlights to guide them further along an otherwise pitch-black maze of rocky burrows.
    Emily Mae Czachor, CBS News, 24 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Serious Medical and Emotional Neglect Turner said Kaiko arrived in poor health, suffering from multiple medical issues and signs of prolonged neglect.
    Alice Gibbs, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2026
  • The city of Plano scores restaurants on a 100-point system, with 100 considered a perfect score and 70 extremely poor.
    Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 31 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Dozens of socks of all colors and fabrics arc overhead and rain down on the sandy pit.
    Scott Neuman, NPR, 26 Mar. 2026
  • Turrets rose above the desert palette, the sandy beige surroundings starkly contrasted by pops of royal blue and deep teal on rooftops and trims.
    Tiffany Acosta, AZCentral.com, 25 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The beloved slapstick comedy is 85 minutes of pure entertainment, full of increasingly chaotic adventures and shockingly crass jokes that still produce guffaws decades later.
    Rachel Simon, Vulture, 6 Mar. 2026
  • In a not crass way, no matter what your vice of choice is, someone who enables that behavior, even just by being there, is a really relatable idea.
    Nicole Fell, HollywoodReporter, 27 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Coarse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/coarse. Accessed 1 Apr. 2026.

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