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 The effect was enhanced by a sprinkling of coarse sugar, which imparted a deceptive, if welcome, crunch. Josh Miller, Southern Living, 14 June 2026 For trees and shrubs, coarser wood or bark mulches would be appropriate. Dawn Pettinelli, Hartford Courant, 13 June 2026 The breed has a short but thick double coat consisting of a coarse outer layer and a softer undercoat. Encyclopedia Britannica, 12 June 2026 The coarser shades of red and orange, illuminated by the setting sun on the western portals, color the side of the basilica that depicts Christ’s Passion. Joseph Wilson, Los Angeles Times, 10 June 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
  • In recent years, Trae Young has repeatedly tormented the Knicks at the famed Madison Square Garden, turning clutch shots and postgame showmanship into vulgar chants from New York fans.
    Chantz Martin OutKick, FOXNews.com, 17 June 2026
  • This isn’t about the vulgar prices now being charged to get into the building and Celebrity Row.
    Mike Lupica, New York Daily News, 13 June 2026
Adjective
  • Yippies would turn up at a 1970 Blood, Sweat & Tears show at Madison Square Garden, carrying obscene banners outside and dumping manure by the front gate.
    ABC News, ABC News, 25 June 2026
  • After shares rallied to a peak of $225 on June 16, a stunning 50 percent rise over their opening price, Musk officially became the world’s very-first trillionaire — an obscene hyper-capitalist milestone highlighting the tech oligarchy’s iron grip on society.
    Victor Tangermann, Futurism, 24 June 2026
Adjective
  • Others walked home sunburned, hoarse and still dressed in blue and orange.
    C.J. Holmes, New York Daily News, 18 June 2026
  • During the debate, Joe Biden frequently lost his train of thought, stumbled over answers, and appeared hoarse, fueling concerns among voters and party leaders.
    Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 31 May 2026
Adjective
  • Across Washington and Oregon, jagged walls of blackberry brambles choke out nearly every hiking trail, highway shoulder, and vacant lot in the region.
    The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 25 June 2026
  • Why does Orange County have so many families living on the jagged edges of the local economy?
    Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 25 June 2026
Adjective
  • Rebecca Lowe joins Dan Patrick to discuss some of the top storylines around the World Cup, including Cristiano Ronaldo's poor play to start, the United States' potential and more.
    Monica Alba, NBC news, 24 June 2026
  • Will the gap between rural and urban America – and the gap between rich and poor America – decline or grow?
    Arthur Cosby, Fortune, 23 June 2026
Adjective
  • And even better, since Galveston is a popular Texas beach town with 32 miles of sandy shores.
    Megan duBois, Southern Living, 25 June 2026
  • The shore now alternated between open sandy or rocky beaches and jumbled boulders ranging from a foot to many feet in diameter.
    Marc Terziev, Outdoor Life, 25 June 2026
Adjective
  • Like a more crass, animated Seinfeld, Rocko deals with the mundanities and absurdities of daily life.
    Skyler Trepel, Entertainment Weekly, 20 June 2026
  • With the games having kicked off, the sport has shown its ineffable power to supplant crass and capitalistic overreach.
    Emily Olsen, New York Times, 16 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Coarse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/coarse. Accessed 28 Jun. 2026.

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