1
as in tough
difficult to endure
harsh conditions in the refugee camp
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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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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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of harsh
Many fires are set by students protesting harsh discipline and poor conditions, researchers have found.
—
CNN Money, 28 May 2026
One key to that was the new dual-clutch paddle-shift transmission, replacing the sequential manual gearbox known for harsh shifts in many circumstances.
—Will Sabel Courtney, Robb Report, 28 May 2026
The internet can be a harsh place.
—Daisy Maldonado, InStyle, 27 May 2026
No getting around the fact that there’s been a harsh and destructive rotation away from medical device and ancillary health-care names.
—Kevin Stankiewicz,morgan Chittum, CNBC, 27 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for harsh
CNN Money, 28 May 2026
One key to that was the new dual-clutch paddle-shift transmission, replacing the sequential manual gearbox known for harsh shifts in many circumstances.
—Will Sabel Courtney, Robb Report, 28 May 2026
The internet can be a harsh place.
—Daisy Maldonado, InStyle, 27 May 2026
No getting around the fact that there’s been a harsh and destructive rotation away from medical device and ancillary health-care names.
—Kevin Stankiewicz,morgan Chittum, CNBC, 27 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for harsh
Recent Examples of Synonyms for harsh
Adjective
-
Management has partly attributed the membership slowdown to tougher comparisons from a year earlier, but there’s more to the story.—
Paulina Likos,
CNBC,
28 May 2026
-
The California Assembly on Thursday overwhelming voted in favor of a bill that would prohibit children under 16 years old from having a social media account, setting up what is likely to continue to be a tough battle over the coming months.—
Stephen Hobbs,
Sacbee.com,
28 May 2026
Adjective
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The style is quintessential Deborah—strong, bold, a little loud, yet classy.—
Rachel Wallace,
Architectural Digest,
29 May 2026
-
Like the Marrakech souks, Chatuchak is a full sensory experience of loud music, the smell of Thai street food and a buzzing, barter-friendly atmosphere.—
Hanna Wickes,
Miami Herald,
29 May 2026
Adjective
-
Vinod brought the long view and the uncomfortable predictions.—
Brian Solis,
Forbes.com,
1 June 2026
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Say goodbye to uncomfortable underwear that digs.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
1 June 2026
Adjective
-
And in France, a country whose approach to secularism is increasingly contested because of its strict regulation of religion in public life, some 13,000 adults were baptized at the Easter Vigil this year — 42% of them ages 18 to 25.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
1 June 2026
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In April Judge Roach issued strict media guidelines for the trial, including a limit of nine media members and prohibiting photography and digital recording of court activity.—
Shambhavi Rimal,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
1 June 2026
Adjective
-
The result was a painful correction.—
Robert Ginsburg,
Forbes.com,
31 May 2026
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The most painful part of the quarter-long dry spell was that Oklahoma City seemed to have all the answers during San Antonio’s explosive first half.—
William Guillory,
New York Times,
31 May 2026
Adjective
-
An open box will absorb unpleasant smells in your bathroom for up to four months.—
BestReviews,
Mercury News,
29 May 2026
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Though a person infected with the virus may experience unpleasant symptoms, others may be asymptomatic.—
Mary Walrath-Holdridge,
USA Today,
29 May 2026
Adjective
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Another indigenous leader says another Gran Tierra practice is the most oppressive issue — gas flaring.—
Jacob Whitehead,
New York Times,
27 May 2026
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People were craving the culture and art that had been suppressed during his oppressive reign.—
Althea Legaspi,
Rolling Stone,
27 May 2026
Adjective
-
Lemieux was 37, and had a reputation as one of those players who knew where to be, and when, around the ugly areas on the ice in a playoff game.—
Mac Engel
May 29,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
29 May 2026
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We, viewers and voters, are subjected to very ugly photographs and rhetoric.—
DP Opinion,
Denver Post,
29 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Harsh.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/harsh. Accessed 5 Jun. 2026.
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