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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in uncomfortable
causing discomfort
the harsh northern climate
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
In the midst of a rough stretch, the Yankees opted to move Jazz Chisholm Jr. back to second base and demote DJ LeMahieu to the bench, a move that solicited a harsh reaction from the veteran.
—
Peter Chawaga, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 July 2025
As a native of the South who grew up during the Jim Crow era, Wood Sr. carried a more serious tone, shaped by the harsh realities of being Black in America.
—Essence, 9 July 2025
First is this gentle Korean retinol serum, beloved by Wu that helps minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, without being overly harsh on sensitive or acne-prone skin.
—Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 9 July 2025
Come spring, the Ranger III carries everything from outhouses and diesel fuel for the generators to construction supplies to repair whatever damage Mother Nature did to facilities over the harsh winter.
—Diana Lambdin Meyer, USA Today, 28 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for harsh
Peter Chawaga, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 July 2025
As a native of the South who grew up during the Jim Crow era, Wood Sr. carried a more serious tone, shaped by the harsh realities of being Black in America.
—Essence, 9 July 2025
First is this gentle Korean retinol serum, beloved by Wu that helps minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, without being overly harsh on sensitive or acne-prone skin.
—Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 9 July 2025
Come spring, the Ranger III carries everything from outhouses and diesel fuel for the generators to construction supplies to repair whatever damage Mother Nature did to facilities over the harsh winter.
—Diana Lambdin Meyer, USA Today, 28 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for harsh
Recent Examples of Synonyms for harsh
Adjective
-
With one out, however, Ohtani was thrown at the plate trying to score from third on Pages’ chopper up the line — making an aggressive, but proper, read in a game in which the Dodgers had long before conceded that runs would be tough to come by.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
9 July 2025
-
The tough part is deciding between a leather sofa or a plush number made with performance fabric.—
Yelena Moroz Alpert,
Architectural Digest,
9 July 2025
Adjective
-
The brands that stand out aren’t louder—they’re the ones willing to hand something over.—
Stephanie Gravalese,
Forbes.com,
15 July 2025
-
Attempt to frighten away coyotes by making loud noises (e.g., shouting, air horn) and acting aggressively (e.g., waving your arms, throwing sticks, spraying with a hose).—
Stephen Underwood,
Hartford Courant,
14 July 2025
Adjective
-
But a slightly uncomfortable conversation is better than resentment.—
Eric Thomas,
Sun Sentinel,
11 July 2025
-
Looking cute doesn’t have to mean feeling uncomfortable.—
Averi Baudler,
People.com,
11 July 2025
Adjective
-
President Donald Trump's administration has announced strict new visa restrictions for Cameroon, Ethiopia, Ghana, and Nigeria.—
Theo Burman,
MSNBC Newsweek,
11 July 2025
-
The rule requires refiners and fuel distributors to meet stricter emissions targets even as refineries close in a state that has long made its hostility to the oil and gas industry clear.—
U T Editorial Board,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
11 July 2025
Adjective
-
Deciding where to manufacture your product is one of the most painful questions today.—
Alex Gudilko,
Forbes.com,
9 July 2025
-
On the Blue Devils’ flight home from San Antonio, there Scheyer was: digesting the game tape, reliving the most painful defeat he’s suffered in three seasons coaching his alma mater.—
Brendan Marks,
New York Times,
9 July 2025
Adjective
-
Set a Timer For particularly difficult or unpleasant tasks, set a timer for a short duration—for example, five to 30 minutes—and commit to working on that task until the time is up.—
Aubrey Bailey,
Verywell Health,
17 July 2025
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There are telltale signs that there's too much moisture in your house, from condensation to unpleasant odors.—
Hallie Milstein,
Southern Living,
17 July 2025
Adjective
-
Since seizing control of Afghanistan in August 2021, the group has implemented a string of oppressive measures against women and girls, even cracking down on the sound of women’s voices in public.—
Catherine Nicholls,
CNN Money,
8 July 2025
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Others reject the portrayal of federal actions as oppressive, suggesting deployments like those in Los Angeles prioritize national security and immigration enforcement.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
4 July 2025
Adjective
-
Confirmation bias rears its ugly head, and the person convinces themselves that AI sentience is at hand.—
Lance Eliot,
Forbes.com,
10 July 2025
-
Even with the other guys' admonitions not to, under any circumstances, be themselves, Dee and Charlie's improbable success in charming these scions of the Philly upper crust had the guys — and us — both baffled and anxiously awaiting an ugly twist.—
Dennis Perkins,
EW.com,
10 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Harsh.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/harsh. Accessed 23 Jul. 2025.
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