Thesaurus

harsh

Q: How does the adjective 'harsh' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of harsh are rough , rugged , scabrous , and uneven . While all these words mean "not smooth or even," harsh implies a surface or texture distinctly unpleasant to the touch. // a harsh fabric that chafes the skin

Q: When might 'rough' be a better fit than 'harsh'?

Although the words rough and harsh have much in common, rough implies points, bristles, ridges, or projections on the surface. // a rough wooden board

Q: When could 'rugged' be used to replace 'harsh'?

While in some cases nearly identical to harsh , rugged implies irregularity or roughness of land surface and connotes difficulty of travel. // a rugged landscape

Q: When is 'scabrous' a more appropriate choice than 'harsh'?

The words scabrous and harsh are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, scabrous implies scaliness or prickliness of surface. // a scabrous leaf

Q: Where would 'uneven' be a reasonable alternative to 'harsh'?

In some situations, the words uneven and harsh are roughly equivalent. However, uneven implies a lack of uniformity in height, breadth, or quality. // an old house with uneven floors

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Synonyms & Antonyms of harsh

1 difficult to endure

harsh conditions in the refugee camp

Synonyms for harsh

Words Related to harsh

harrowing,
tortuous

Near Antonyms for harsh

Antonyms for harsh

2 disagreeable to one's aesthetic or artistic sense

the harsh lighting in the cafeteria makes the food look slightly off-color

Synonyms for harsh

Words Related to harsh

Near Antonyms for harsh

artful,
artistic

softened,
subdued

Antonyms for harsh

aesthetic
(also esthetic or aesthetical or esthetical)

3 causing discomfort

the harsh northern climate

Synonyms for harsh

Words Related to harsh

uneasy

Near Antonyms for harsh

easy,
soothing

Antonyms for harsh

comfortable,
comfy

4 given to exacting standards of discipline and self-restraint

a harsh judge when it comes to drug users and especially drug dealers

Synonyms for harsh

Words Related to harsh

demanding,
exacting

dour,
gruff

Near Antonyms for harsh

responsive,
willing

Antonyms for harsh

5 hard to accept or bear especially emotionally

the harsh reality of failure

harsh words of criticism from her music teacher

Synonyms for harsh

Words Related to harsh

Near Antonyms for harsh

Antonyms for harsh

6 not giving pleasure to the mind or senses

winced at the harsh sound that the beginner violinist was making

Synonyms for harsh

Words Related to harsh

crappy
[slang],
cruddy,
crummy
(also crumby),
lousy,
miserable,
sucky
[slang],
wretched

Near Antonyms for harsh

Antonyms for harsh

Frequently Asked Questions About harsh

How does the adjective harsh contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of harsh are rough, rugged, scabrous, and uneven. While all these words mean "not smooth or even," harsh implies a surface or texture distinctly unpleasant to the touch.

a harsh fabric that chafes the skin

When might rough be a better fit than harsh?

Although the words rough and harsh have much in common, rough implies points, bristles, ridges, or projections on the surface.

a rough wooden board

When could rugged be used to replace harsh?

While in some cases nearly identical to harsh, rugged implies irregularity or roughness of land surface and connotes difficulty of travel.

a rugged landscape

When is scabrous a more appropriate choice than harsh?

The words scabrous and harsh are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, scabrous implies scaliness or prickliness of surface.

a scabrous leaf

Where would uneven be a reasonable alternative to harsh?

In some situations, the words uneven and harsh are roughly equivalent. However, uneven implies a lack of uniformity in height, breadth, or quality.

an old house with uneven floors

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