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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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
Announced after months of speculation, the duties left India—once poised to enjoy the lowest tariff exposure in the region—facing the harshest penalties.
—
Mayu Saini, Sourcing Journal, 5 Sep. 2025
Understanding this transition is critical to designing materials that stay stable under harsh conditions.
—Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 5 Sep. 2025
Often considered one of the greatest Indian films ever made, with the scale of a Sergio Leone film and borrowed loosely from the plot of Kurosawa’s Seven Samurai, it was made by director Ramesh Sippy over two harsh years in the mountains.
—Christina Newland, Vulture, 5 Sep. 2025
The most effective anti-aging products can be a little harsh on the skin (ahem, retinol).
—Esme Benjamin, PEOPLE, 4 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for harsh
Mayu Saini, Sourcing Journal, 5 Sep. 2025
Understanding this transition is critical to designing materials that stay stable under harsh conditions.
—Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 5 Sep. 2025
Often considered one of the greatest Indian films ever made, with the scale of a Sergio Leone film and borrowed loosely from the plot of Kurosawa’s Seven Samurai, it was made by director Ramesh Sippy over two harsh years in the mountains.
—Christina Newland, Vulture, 5 Sep. 2025
The most effective anti-aging products can be a little harsh on the skin (ahem, retinol).
—Esme Benjamin, PEOPLE, 4 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for harsh
Recent Examples of Synonyms for harsh
Adjective
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That’s a tough dichotomy to bridge, but the new 2025 911 Carrera GTS achieves it brilliantly.—
Mark Phelan,
USA Today,
7 Sep. 2025
-
The tough stainless steel loops are reinforced and designed to remain rust-free even after years of use, and a three number combination lock will be easy to remember and difficult to crack.—
Merrell Readman,
Travel + Leisure,
7 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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This discourse only got louder during minicamp when he was called out for his physical appearance and route running.—
Kevin McCormick,
MSNBC Newsweek,
7 Sep. 2025
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As Anisimova kept making things close again, and the crowd kept getting loud, Sabalenka reminded herself to focus on herself.—
Jason Ma,
Fortune,
7 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
The father said the priest asked about masturbation and pornography, and that his son was uncomfortable and reported it immediately after leaving church.—
Laura Schulte,
jsonline.com,
4 Sep. 2025
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The content is absurd, borderline uncomfortable and consistently viral.—
Leeron Walter,
Forbes.com,
3 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Neville said he's noticed many boutique and family-run hotels, especially in high-demand spots like Dubrovnik, Prague, and Santorini, booking out earlier than ever, requiring full deposits up front, and enforcing strict cancellation policies.—
Christopher Elliott,
USA Today,
4 Sep. 2025
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Jackets, ties, nylons and shoulder pads made a comeback, all in strict adherence to a dress code that hadn't been revised in decades.—
Darlin Tillery,
MSNBC Newsweek,
4 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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The shoes have a wide toe box with plenty of room for feet to spread out, which helps prevent painful pinching and accommodates foot issues.—
Isabel Garcia,
People.com,
3 Sep. 2025
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Downplaying the obvious and searingly painful crime plaguing Chicago neighborhoods is unacceptable and dangerous.—
Laura Washington,
Chicago Tribune,
3 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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The first season of The Office was particularly unpleasant at times, with some of Michael’s most appalling behavior, and The Paper avoids this almost entirely.—
Erik Kain,
Forbes.com,
3 Sep. 2025
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If the egg smells unpleasant or has discoloration, discard the egg.—
Merve Ceylan,
Health,
2 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Related Stories Farrelly thinks that kind of oppressive political correctness is fading and that audiences are eager to see movies that eviscerate good taste in order to land a joke again.—
Brent Lang,
Variety,
5 Sep. 2025
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Pitted against the unforgettably evil Nurse Ratched (Louise Fletcher), a sadist who drugs and abuses the unlucky patients in her care, McMurphy’s stand against the oppressive powers that be is tragic and poignant and spoke to the spirit of a time in which so many felt misunderstood.—
Christina Newland,
Vulture,
5 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Gauff’s double fault disease was the ugly way of putting a W in the column.—
Tim Ellis,
Forbes.com,
31 Aug. 2025
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The resulting standoff led to an ugly fight between leadership, the resignation of the entire previous board and Martinez’s ouster.—
Nell Salzman,
Chicago Tribune,
30 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Harsh.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/harsh. Accessed 8 Sep. 2025.
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