Definition of coarsenext
1
2
3
4
5
6

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 Alternatively, use a coarser device, like steel wool. Katherine McLaughlin, Architectural Digest, 4 June 2026 Freeman’s fortes are thin-crust pizzas made with whole wheat and vibrant veggie plates with coarse elements such as crunchy French radishes and tender Mokum carrots. Miguel Otárola, Denver Post, 4 June 2026 The global public square has been getting coarser for years, and social media has played a big part in the deterioration. Bobby Ghosh, Time, 1 June 2026 Use coarse mulch, plant natural deterrents like marigolds, and address rodent issues to discourage snakes naturally. Michelle Mastro, Martha Stewart, 31 May 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
  • Apparently some fans were using some vulgar language toward Brunson in Game 1.
    Zach Harper, New York Times, 5 June 2026
  • Doolan also received several emails calling her a vulgar word that typically refers to women.
    Maven Navarro June 3, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 June 2026
Adjective
  • Karen Read filed her lawsuit against Canton and the MSP not only to reveal shockingly obscene and racist text messages between key cops investigating her — but also to relitigate the defense theory of conspiracy to frame her.
    Flint McColgan, Boston Herald, 7 June 2026
  • The Seleção has been knocked out in the quarterfinals in four of the last five tournaments and finished fourth in 2014, which featured an obscene 7-1 drubbing against Germany in the semifinal.
    Ben Church, CNN Money, 6 June 2026
Adjective
  • 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
  • Signs include panting, a hoarse bark, scuffing or dragging their toes along the ground, and sometimes regurgitation or swallowing problems.
    The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 May 2026
Adjective
  • As the sky darkened, the jagged ridgeline of the mountains behind us grew sharp and pronounced.
    Megan Spurrell, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 June 2026
  • At Palisades State Park, striking red-pink Sioux quartzite cliffs jut up to 50 feet above Split Rock Creek, their jagged faces almost glowing against a backdrop of bucolic farmland.
    Taryn Shorr-Mckee, Midwest Living, 4 June 2026
Adjective
  • The second didn’t go nearly as well for Bussi as Karlsson and Howden scored on two of the Golden Knights’ six shots in the period to tie the score at 3-3 heading into the third, the tying goal coming off a Seth Jarvis turnover and a couple of poor defensive plays by Sean Walker and K’Andre Miller.
    Michael Russo, New York Times, 10 June 2026
  • Heat radiates from the pages of this extraordinary novel about a poor family in rural Mississippi in the days leading up to Hurricane Katrina.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 9 June 2026
Adjective
  • Native materials, like Caballero white marble from the north coast, run throughout the property, giving it a sandy, neutral appearance.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 June 2026
  • Along the pool’s sandy shores, individuals can use the volleyball courts and teqball table.
    Dante Estrada, Los Angeles Times, 11 June 2026
Adjective
  • Boys and young men have always enjoyed the crassest of humor.
    Donie O'Sullivan, CNN Money, 6 June 2026
  • Materazzi said something crass about Zidane’s sister and suddenly had a bald head in his chest.
    Chris Branch, New York Times, 4 June 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Coarse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/coarse. Accessed 14 Jun. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on coarse

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster