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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 coarsest grades of steel wool can strip paint or varnish and remove rust from surfaces. Abby Wolner, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 May 2025 See the trailer for Cheech & Chong’s Last Movie below (disclaimer: coarse language). Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025 Fine grade or low-scratch scrubbers will help with delicate jobs, while coarse scrubbers can clean cast iron, stone, and even strip paint. Abby Wolner, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 May 2025 Politicians are rewarded for their public performances more than their policy, the media chases scoops and buzzy headlines and the rest of the internet foregrounds outrageous takes and coarse speech. The Dial, 6 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for coarse
Recent Examples of Synonyms for coarse
Adjective
  • The survey examined a minimum of 1,000 comments per team and found less than 1% of posts made by fans of the Dallas Wings contained swear words or vulgar comments.
    Alyssa Cooper, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 May 2025
  • The program was incredibly close-knit—kids practiced most days of the week, and hung out almost exclusively with their fellow All-Stars, as well as with the vulgar, charismatic teacher who structured their lives.
    Air Mail, Air Mail, 3 May 2025
Adjective
  • Venis’s obscene wealth justifies an unbridled narcissism that reflects our worst fears of tech moguls.
    Andrew Wallenstein, Variety, 28 May 2025
  • In December 2014, a jury convicted Magnotta of first-degree murder, committing an indignity to a human body, publishing obscene material and mailing obscene and indecent material.
    Jessica Sager, People.com, 25 May 2025
Adjective
  • In a hoarse voice, Wayne almost steals Tupac’s classic out from under him.
    Pitchfork, Pitchfork, 6 June 2025
  • Biden's response is marked by long pauses, and his voice appears hoarse at times.
    Ryan Sprouse, CBS News, 16 May 2025
Adjective
  • May 31, 2025 The jagged ridges in the green mountains above Spruce Pine look strange at first, as if they were scratched into the surface by giant claws.
    Mike Belleme, New York Times, 31 May 2025
  • Especially when exploring all the jagged edges can be as delicious as it has been executed in Sirens.
    Rachel Elspeth Gross, Forbes.com, 25 May 2025
Adjective
  • Zooming in reveals a poor level of detail, while the colors look unnaturally bright.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 5 June 2025
  • The risk extends even to children due to increasing rates of childhood obesity and poor dietary habits.20 As a result, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that healthy adults have their lipids checked every four to six years.
    MD Published, Verywell Health, 5 June 2025
Adjective
  • Think warm whites, sandy browns, and light wood tones.
    Cori Sears, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 June 2025
  • The dad and daughter walked barefoot on a sandy path surrounded by palm trees, seemingly in their home state of California.
    Janine Henni, People.com, 4 June 2025
Adjective
  • But beyond the crass remarks about Read, experts say less explosive messages about Proctor's early opinions of the investigation could be damning.
    Julia Bonavita , Michael Ruiz, FOXNews.com, 3 June 2025
  • What keeps these series from coming off as crass is the genuine camaraderie that connects their characters and shelters them, to some extent, from the precariousness of their lives.
    Judy Berman, Time, 22 May 2025
Adjective
  • Peter Capaldi - Twelfth Doctor From 2014-2017, a gruff and action-ready Peter Capaldi shredded an electric guitar through the TARDIS.
    Richard Edwards, Space.com, 29 May 2025
  • Over a four-decade career that began with a role on Pee-wee’s Playhouse, Lyonne has become known for portraying characters that are gruff but likable, hard-nosed but sympathetic.
    Air Mail, Air Mail, 17 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Coarse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/coarse. Accessed 12 Jun. 2025.

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