1
as in tough
difficult to endure
harsh conditions in the refugee camp
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in loud
disagreeable to one's aesthetic or artistic sense
the harsh lighting in the cafeteria makes the food look slightly off-color
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in uncomfortable
causing discomfort
the harsh northern climate
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4
as in strict
given to exacting standards of discipline and self-restraint
a harsh judge when it comes to drug users and especially drug dealers
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5
as in painful
hard to accept or bear especially emotionally
the harsh reality of failure harsh words of criticism from her music teacher
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6
as in unpleasant
not giving pleasure to the mind or senses
winced at the harsh sound that the beginner violinist was making
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of harsh
Hair care brands are also incorporating UV defense into repair and styling products: summer can be harsh on your hair but using the correct products can prevent it from getting damaged.
—
Laia Farran Graves, Forbes.com, 14 Aug. 2025
But this time, the State Department was also harsher in its evaluation of Ukraine, mirroring President Donald Trump's tendency to criticize both sides of the conflicts.
—Shannon K. Kingston, ABC News, 12 Aug. 2025
Graphic, statement-making shadow doesn’t need to be harsh.
—Calin Van Paris, Vogue, 12 Aug. 2025
Detergents can be harsh for babies and people with sensitive skin and allergies, causing itchiness, rash, and maybe even sneezing or watery eyes from their strong fragrances.
—Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 11 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for harsh
Laia Farran Graves, Forbes.com, 14 Aug. 2025
But this time, the State Department was also harsher in its evaluation of Ukraine, mirroring President Donald Trump's tendency to criticize both sides of the conflicts.
—Shannon K. Kingston, ABC News, 12 Aug. 2025
Graphic, statement-making shadow doesn’t need to be harsh.
—Calin Van Paris, Vogue, 12 Aug. 2025
Detergents can be harsh for babies and people with sensitive skin and allergies, causing itchiness, rash, and maybe even sneezing or watery eyes from their strong fragrances.
—Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 11 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for harsh
Recent Examples of Synonyms for harsh
Adjective
-
Sanctions have roiled Russia's economy and Trump could use tougher measures as leverage over Putin, said Richard Portes, professor of economics at London Business School.—
Brendan Cole,
MSNBC Newsweek,
14 Aug. 2025
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Even if increasing competition and financial obstruction have influenced summer recruitment, making this season’s challenges tougher, the confidence in Unai Emery and Villa’s football department remains unerring.—
Jacob Tanswell,
New York Times,
14 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Noise level Pet fountains are never completely silent, but some are louder than others.—
BestReviews,
Mercury News,
7 Aug. 2025
-
For years loud car exhausts, stereos and late-night partying in the downtown corridor have been at the center of complaints.—
Natalia Jaramillo,
The Orlando Sentinel,
6 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Less Strain: Reaching over your child’s car seat can be uncomfortable and awkward.—
Laura Lu,
Parents,
16 Aug. 2025
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For some, the action echoes uncomfortable historical chapters when politicians used language to paint predominantly Black cities with racist narratives to shape public opinion and justify police action.—
John Seewer,
Chicago Tribune,
16 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
The widespread destruction triggered stricter building codes across the state.—
Susannah Bryan,
Sun Sentinel,
16 Aug. 2025
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In addition to broadening Opinel's appeal in jurisdictions with strict regulations on locking knives, the Opiflex mechanism is designed to streamline blade opening and closing for fast, intuitive knife use.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
16 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Although the condition itself isn’t typically painful, raw or blistered skin can lead to pain and swelling.7 Secondary skin infections—like if a blister is exposed to bacteria and gets infected—can also cause painful symptoms.—
Sarah Bradley,
Health,
15 Aug. 2025
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Once tooth enamel is lost, the tooth nerves are exposed, which is painful and makes the teeth sensitive.—
Thomas Westerholm,
MSNBC Newsweek,
15 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Once again, America confronts the unpleasant truth that the Constitution does not expressly guarantee a right to vote — and neither will the Supreme Court.—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
12 Aug. 2025
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The past year has been an unpleasant one for the value approach.—
John Dorfman,
Forbes.com,
11 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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What was mostly missing was the occasional cool front that pushes out the most oppressive heat and humidity.—
Staff And Wire Reports,
Boston Herald,
10 Aug. 2025
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Driving in Palm Beach County — home to Mar-a-Lago — the windows are up, and the AC is blasting to counter the oppressive heat and humidity outside.—
David Culver,
CNN Money,
10 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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In the ugliest defeat of a season belatedly compiling them, the New York Mets blew an early 6-0 lead Wednesday to fall to the Atlanta Braves 11-6.—
Tim Britton,
New York Times,
14 Aug. 2025
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The Navy must address the ugly fact that, despite all the security America can provide, a diverse array of enemies, rivals and criminals can shut the Panama Canal down at virtually any time.—
Craig Hooper,
Forbes.com,
14 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Harsh.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/harsh. Accessed 19 Aug. 2025.
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