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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

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 crude There are hundreds of them in the region; the crude oil is then transported along kilometer-long pipelines to the refineries. Sabrina Weiss, The Dial, 23 Sep. 2025 If even a crude silent gesture has drawn constitutional protection, fragile egos don’t justify a gag. Eric Preven, Oc Register, 19 Sep. 2025 Layer on infrastructure costs, amortization, new storage mandates, refinery retrofits for changing crude blends and the lagging effects of the LCFS credit. Michael Mische, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Sep. 2025 In 2019, when a missile and drone strike on Saudi oil facilities – widely blamed on Iran – knocked out half the kingdom’s oil output and sent crude prices skyrocketing, his administration responded with only muted condemnation. Abbas Al Lawati, CNN Money, 18 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for crude
Recent Examples of Synonyms for crude
Adjective
  • There is plenty of raw data online, but much of it is harvested privately by platforms.
    Julian Lucas, New Yorker, 29 Sep. 2025
  • The set finds her playing guitar, bass, violin and banjo, while singing songs that feel both raw with emotion yet refined in delivery.
    Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 29 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Unique camping options include wooden platform sites and primitive tent areas, plus cabins for overnight stays.
    Diana Leyva, Nashville Tennessean, 22 Sep. 2025
  • The Coming Labor Revolution Makes Events Essential The next five years will bring changes that make today’s AI implementations look primitive.
    Shawn Pierce, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Colorado has condemned a vulgar chant its fans directed at BYU during its football team’s 24-21 loss Saturday at Folsom Field.
    David Ubben, New York Times, 29 Sep. 2025
  • Protecting speech for all requires great tolerance for the vulgar, rude, offensive, angry, mean and, yes, even hateful.
    The Detroit News Editorial Board, Twin Cities, 24 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • And honestly, Chris, that is just a really crass thing to say.
    Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 25 Sep. 2025
  • This joyless, crass Platinum Dunes remake (directed by Marcus Nispel) regurgitates the original’s plot with additional gore but without any of the sharp wit.
    Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 21 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Threading that narrative in there, and getting all the clumsy beats and the awkward beats, felt like a continuation of the narrative.
    Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 25 Sep. 2025
  • Well accustomed to the bumps and bruises that come with playing defense at a high level, Thomas can look back with some humor at one of the ankle injuries, which was due to a clumsy play.
    Jess Myers, Twin Cities, 22 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The morning kicked off behind the Rose Creek Cottage and was one of many activities hosted by Friends of Rose Creek, an organization aimed at preserving the natural habitat and connecting community members.
    Madison Beveridge, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Sep. 2025
  • The edgy vibe of side braids is a natural departure from the more flowy, feminine styles that usually dominate in the summer (like boho braids).
    Annie Blay-Tettey, Allure, 25 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Ants display rudimentary counting abilities, can understand the concept of zero and make tools.
    Big Think, Big Think, 25 Sep. 2025
  • The voice performers — including Thomas Lennon, Kyle Mooney, Melissa Villasenor, and Fortune Feimster — are superior to the rudimentary computer animation that probably works better on the small screen.
    Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 24 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Banners or signs may not be commercial in nature or obscene, or cause any disturbance to other fans.
    Ed Masley, AZCentral.com, 25 Sep. 2025
  • Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce was docked $14,491 for making an obscene gesture after a big catch.
    Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 21 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Crude.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/crude. Accessed 2 Oct. 2025.

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