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 For containers, add rich organic matter or compost, perlite, or coarse sand to improve drainage and nutrients. Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 2 Apr. 2026 The lace on this unit was considerably more coarse in texture, thicker, carried more visible pigmentation toward the middle to back, and offered minimal stretch. Noel Cymone Walker, StyleCaster, 1 Apr. 2026 Their coarse texture and strong scent might neutralize garlic odor. Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Apr. 2026 The use of childish internet and video-game memes to describe violence is coarse and unworthy of the men and women who go in harm’s way. Eliot A. Cohen, The Atlantic, 1 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
  • 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
  • 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
Adjective
  • Weapon violations dropped more than 13%, and crimes involving pornography or obscene material were down more than 23%, according to the report.
    Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 8 Apr. 2026
  • Do better, or consider hiring people who paint a vivid enough picture with words rather than having to lean on photographers who seem to have an obscene bloodlust.
    Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 4 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
  • Glover, for instance, was particularly captivated by the jagged topography along the moon’s terminator, the dividing line between its illuminated side and the side cloaked in darkness.
    Denise Chow, NBC news, 7 Apr. 2026
  • Outside the window were snippets of jagged peaks.
    Elizabeth Cantrell, Travel + Leisure, 7 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Arsenal were pretty poor but won, Sporting were pretty good but lost.
    Tim Spiers, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2026
  • Ackman blamed its poor share price performance partly on the delay of UMG’s listing in the United States.
    Zac Ntim, Deadline, 7 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The juveniles — around 5 and 6 feet long — like the sandy shallow waters that keep them safe from predators, and the plentiful food of stingrays and small sharks that live near shore, Lowe noted.
    Laylan Connelly, Oc Register, 9 Apr. 2026
  • Conway‑Norris thought the bunny pictured in the post resembled Flopsy, with its sandy brown fur.
    Gina Kalsi, PEOPLE, 9 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • 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
  • 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

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Cite this Entry

“Coarse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/coarse. Accessed 12 Apr. 2026.

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