Definition of unevennext

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 Yet access is uneven, and many countries outside these major power centers face structural disadvantages. Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 25 Mar. 2026 This refreshing exfoliating toner clears out buildup that can exaggerate uneven texture, thanks to a 4-HA complex (AHA, BHA, PHA, LHA) that sweeps away dead skin cells without tipping into irritation. Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 25 Mar. 2026 Rather than gradually building speed, the system emphasizes instant response, allowing riders to tap into the bike’s higher output for short bursts – whether accelerating away from a stop, tackling uneven terrain or simply adding a more dynamic feel to the ride. New Atlas, 25 Mar. 2026 Early salt damage often appears as pale, chalky blotches or uneven fading in the paint finish. Jenna Prestininzi, USA Today, 25 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for uneven
Recent Examples of Synonyms for uneven
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
  • In some studies, gloves not changed between tasks had higher bacterial counts and could transfer germs just as easily as ungloved hands, underscoring the need for frequent changing and proper hand hygiene.
    Evan Moore December 19, Charlotte Observer, 19 Dec. 2025
Adjective
  • Until then, smuggling weed had been a grand adventure, an escape from a society that had just thrown Prager’s generation into a meat grinder in Vietnam, a repudiation of the crooked politicians and backward preachers and greedy capitalists who were running the world.
    Jack Crosbie, Rolling Stone, 17 Mar. 2026
  • For the most part, this lineup, chock full of All-Stars and Hall of Famers, has struggled to put up crooked numbers.
    Johnny Flores Jr, New York Times, 17 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Based on the novel by Bart Baker, Honeymoon with Harry follows a rough-around-the-edges man (Gyllenhaal) who ends up sharing an unwanted journey with his fiancée’s prickly, overprotective father (Costner) after a life-altering turn upends their plans.
    Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 25 Mar. 2026
  • Nivea’s Intense Healing formula takes a richer approach, focusing on long-lasting moisture that can soften rough areas like knees, elbows, and heels.
    Hana Hong, Glamour, 25 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • This is a recurring injury for Smith, who has missed five of the last nine games due to varying levels of discomfort in his calf.
    Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 23 Feb. 2026
  • Even within a single day, temporary weight shifts are common and are often due to varying levels of fluid retention.
    Lauren O'Connor, Health, 22 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The Escalade also offers a large head up display and a tilted control panel to provide quick access to climate and other functions.
    Scotty Reiss, Parents, 24 Feb. 2026
  • Naturally, Uranus' tilted rotation has a part to play in how auroral activity manifests on the planet.
    Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 24 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • These mid-cut boots deliver, with reliable waterproofing, EVA foam for comfort, and a rugged outsole for go-anywhere durability.
    Lisa Jhung, Outside, 26 Mar. 2026
  • From sleek business-ready designs with built-in charging ports to rugged hiking companions that can weather any adventure, there’s never been a better time to invest in a quality travel backpack.
    BestReviews, Mercury News, 26 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The data revealed Black babies have a higher likelihood to die than others and that mothers of color also face the brunt of unequal access to care and predisposition to certain medical conditions.
    Briah Lumpkins, Charlotte Observer, 27 Mar. 2026
  • In a world where everything is supposed to be equal, the rev-share can now be unequal.
    Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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