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 All of their voices are coarse, they’re not measured. Fiction Non Fiction, Literary Hub, 29 Jan. 2026 His jacket and hands and the wall behind him have its coarse digital noise, but his face doesn’t. Deni Ellis Béchard, Scientific American, 24 Jan. 2026 On the other hand, an even, coarse grind that looks like rough sea salt is best for a French press, as the coffee steeps with full immersion. Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 24 Jan. 2026 Remove rust with steel wool, vinegar soaks, baking soda paste, or coarse salt scrubs. Emily Benda Gaylord, The Spruce, 17 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for coarse
Recent Examples of Synonyms for coarse
Adjective
  • Crafted in grained leather, the Dior Bow bag is defined by clean lines and a soft yet structured feel.
    Renan Botelho, Footwear News, 3 Sep. 2019
Adjective
  • When authorities asked King to remove the breast banner as vulgar, King taped over the nipples with stars made of tape or Magic Marker.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 3 Feb. 2026
  • Sarah, the former Duchess of York, also sent emails to Epstein which included a vulgar mention of Eugenie, who had not yet turned 20 at the time, People reported.
    Rachel Burchfield, InStyle, 3 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Weiner pled guilty to transferring obscene material to a minor in 2017 and spent 15 months in federal prison for the crime.
    Martha Ross, Mercury News, 5 Feb. 2026
  • Texas Tech’s student section directed an obscene chant at Kansas’ Darryn Peterson as the freshman guard prepared to shoot a free throw late in the first half of the Jayhawks’ 64-61 victory over the Red Raiders on Monday night at United Supermarkets Arena in Lubbock, Texas.
    Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 4 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • One of them, fist raised to the sky, let out a long yell, the hoarse shout of a gold panner.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 12 Jan. 2026
  • November 17, 2025 What To Know During an Oval Office meeting focused primarily on preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Trump sounded hoarse when speaking with reporters and officials.
    Anna Commander, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • These handheld masterpieces may come with jagged edges and some discrepancy in hole size, but the flavor and texture are perfect every time.
    Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 5 Feb. 2026
  • Located in Jackson Hole, this serene landscape is home to glistening lakes, jagged terrain, and beautiful moose, mule deer, bison, and elk.
    Giovanna Caravetta, Travel + Leisure, 4 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Semmann said stores raise prices primarily in response to supply chain issues, such as poor harvests, changes to international trade policy or increasing logistical costs.
    Francesca Pica, jsonline.com, 10 Feb. 2026
  • Boating conditions are poor across offshore waters south of Cape Canaveral, while small craft need to exercise caution near the inlets.
    Garfield Hylton, The Orlando Sentinel, 10 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Wise and others have proposed creating the replacement spaces by reducing the width of a sandy berm that divides the Kellogg Park parking lot on the west side of Camino del Oro.
    Noah Lyons, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Feb. 2026
  • Mexico’s iconic Yucatan Peninsula is a place of contrasts, where impenetrable jungle meets wide open ocean, lush vegetation meets sandy shores, and vibrant energy meets pure serenity.
    Condé Nast Traveler, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • While crass and lazy, the moniker did at least have a link to reality at a time when her male counterpart was excelling.
    Adam Leventhal, New York Times, 1 Feb. 2026
  • Zamiri aims to send up the crass monetization of a cultural boom, turning up the film’s absurdity knob to highlight the very real ways in which record labels and other corporate interests attach themselves vampirically to artistic success.
    Richard Lawson, HollywoodReporter, 24 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Coarse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/coarse. Accessed 11 Feb. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on coarse

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