Definition of crudenext
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as in raw
being such as found in nature and not altered by processing or refining a sizable spill of crude oil along a coastline is the worst kind of environmental disaster

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective crude differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of crude are raw, rough, and rude. While all these words mean "lacking in social refinement," crude may apply to thought or behavior limited to the gross, the obvious, or the primitive.

a crude joke

When could raw be used to replace crude?

In some situations, the words raw and crude are roughly equivalent. However, raw suggests being untested, inexperienced, or unfinished.

turning raw youths into polished performers

When would rough be a good substitute for crude?

The words rough and crude can be used in similar contexts, but rough is likely to stress lack of polish and gentleness.

rough manners

When might rude be a better fit than crude?

The synonyms rude and crude are sometimes interchangeable, but rude implies ignorance of or indifference to good form; it may suggest intentional discourtesy.

rude behavior

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for crude
Adjective
  • Johnson's raw emotion was appreciated by the players after the massive playoff win.
    Jori Parys, CBS News, 13 Jan. 2026
  • The test, organized by Carwow, put Xiaomi’s SU7 Ultra against the Ferrari SF90 XX to see how raw electric power stacks up against Italian hybrid engineering when traction is far from perfect.
    Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 13 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Buffington had been working as an after-school instructor for classes in woodworking, primitive skills and kite-making through the Princeton Recreation Department.
    CBS News, CBS News, 9 Jan. 2026
  • These regular observations will gradually take in data and aim to provide pivotal information about the strengths, compositions, and histories of these primitive cosmic bodies.
    Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 8 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Although the Ripken card launched many conspiracy theories as to whether the inclusion of its vulgar phrase was truly a mistake or a Fleer marketing ploy, there is a long history of errors making it through quality control in sports card production.
    Tyler Holzhammer, New York Times, 6 Jan. 2026
  • The joke swap during last year's Christmas episode went to some particularly jaw-dropping places after Che made Jost read a vulgar joke about Johansson.
    Brendan Morrow, USA Today, 21 Dec. 2025
Adjective
  • Season 4 does introduce the three new Americans via Tender — an online payment system used for gambling and pornography sites, which becomes the focal point of Season 4 — with Penn’s Jonah bringing a crass brand of American humor to the season premiere.
    Chris O'Falt, IndieWire, 14 Jan. 2026
  • Often, the art created out of activism is productive and instructional, rather than crass or shocking, Duarte said.
    Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 26 Dec. 2025
Adjective
  • But in that moment, my 40 years of skiing experience evaporated, and the bulletproof snow and thick crowds transformed me into an anxious and clumsy mess.
    Frederick Dreier, Outside, 9 Jan. 2026
  • Following the adventures of the titular sheep, the franchise’s latest takes place at Mossy Bottom Farm on Halloween Eve, watching as excitement turns to dismay when the clumsy Farmer ruins the pumpkin patch.
    Matt Grobar, Deadline, 8 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Hardwood cuttings are best propagated during mid-fall to late winter when rose plants are in a natural state of dormancy and not experiencing active growth.
    Lauren Landers, The Spruce, 10 Jan. 2026
  • Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona One of the country's most iconic natural landmarks, Grand Canyon National Park is already a must-visit for its scenic trails and incredible vistas.
    Elizabeth Rhodes, Travel + Leisure, 10 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Nothing about the way these cartels operate is rudimentary.
    Kevin Maurer, Rolling Stone, 13 Jan. 2026
  • Fentanyl production, for example, requires only rudimentary chemistry knowledge, a precursor chemical imported from China, and a working kitchen.
    Joanna Conti, Baltimore Sun, 10 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • While touring the plant, video posted by TMZ showed Trump making an obscene gesture at someone who was yelling at him from afar.
    Fortune, Fortune, 14 Jan. 2026
  • Trump responded with a curse word and using an obscene gesture.
    Jamie L. LaReau, Freep.com, 14 Jan. 2026
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.

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Cite this Entry

“Crude.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/crude. Accessed 19 Jan. 2026.

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