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 Traditional couscous is similar to pasta, made from semolina, a coarse durum wheat flour. Nancy Lebrun, Verywell Health, 16 Apr. 2026 With its coarse, slightly prickly foliage and stems, coneflower (Echinacea) is a staple in deer-resistant plantings. Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 15 Apr. 2026 But his uppercase blasts, chest-thumping rants and coarse insults are more likely now to draw a Gallic shrug. Serge Schmemann, Mercury News, 14 Apr. 2026 The Sponge Cleaning Mistake That Can Ruin Appliances Using the abrasive side of a sponge—or the side of the sponge that's more coarse, wiry, and often a different color than the soft side—can cause damage to an appliance. Maria Sabella, The Spruce, 11 Apr. 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
  • The word was considered so vulgar that it was left out of early dictionaries and was rarely printed, though Adams says people were certainly using it.
    Harmeet Kaur, CNN Money, 8 Apr. 2026
  • One day, Dahlstrom made a vulgar joke in a lunchroom referencing oral sex and pubic hair, according to the employee.
    Nick Ferraro, Twin Cities, 4 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The incident was captured on the broadcast, and after the game, Duran explained that his obscene gesture was in response to a fan crossing the line.
    Paulina Dedaj, FOXNews.com, 15 Apr. 2026
  • The most common crime investigated by the unit was the distribution of obscene material depicting minors, followed by elder abuse and rape.
    Nicole Buss, Sacbee.com, 14 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The quality of a live show, especially one from a legacy band like Journey, comes down to whether the fans leave satisfied: If diehards and casuals alike walk out of the building with grins and hoarse voices from singing along to the big numbers, that’s a successful outing.
    Heather Bushman, IndyStar, 18 Mar. 2026
  • Tears have been shed, throats have been screamed hoarse.
    Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 10 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • If the stem is still attached or the scar looks jagged and raised, the fruit was likely picked too early and may not be as sweet.
    Sheela Prakash, Bon Appetit Magazine, 22 Apr. 2026
  • And Cello Pete, who has collaborated with Hersh for years, added much to the proceedings, with his lush string work providing an important counterbalance to Hersh’s jagged guitar lines.
    Jim Harrington, Mercury News, 18 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The Braves couldn’t overcome a poor start from Reynaldo López and saw their six-game winning streak fall by the wayside in an 11-4 loss to the Nationals on Tuesday at Nationals Park.
    Chad Bishop, AJC.com, 22 Apr. 2026
  • In the days leading up to his fatal overdose, Prince was in poor health and was forced to cancel shows in Atlanta.
    Alex Gurley, PEOPLE, 21 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The sandy beach stretches on for miles, much of which is given over to beach clubs.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Apr. 2026
  • The peduncle extends into sandy or muddy sediment and serves as an anchor, secured by a single large polyp.
    Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 23 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Alas, Deborah’s crass attempt to extort her fans immediately goes sideways.
    Jessica M. Goldstein, Vulture, 17 Apr. 2026
  • Right now in America, when our discourse has gotten so crass and mean-spirited that to show the underlying kindness of this show is really resonating.
    Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 30 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Coarse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/coarse. Accessed 26 Apr. 2026.

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