1
as in tough
difficult to endure
harsh conditions in the refugee camp
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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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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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of harsh
Experts have warned that the state's buildings, designed to retain warmth in harsh winters, lack air conditioning and ventilation, making even moderate heat potentially dangerous.
—
Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 June 2025
In language the rest of us can understand that means a slightly softer and more mellow click that’s quieter and less harsh than teh average mechanical keyboard.
—Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 14 June 2025
Counties and municipalities can impose harsher restrictions as well.
—Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 13 June 2025
The harsh, militaristic nature of their actions is not normal and is being met with protest and opposition across the country.
—Edwin C. Yohnka, Chicago Tribune, 13 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for harsh
Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 June 2025
In language the rest of us can understand that means a slightly softer and more mellow click that’s quieter and less harsh than teh average mechanical keyboard.
—Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 14 June 2025
Counties and municipalities can impose harsher restrictions as well.
—Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 13 June 2025
The harsh, militaristic nature of their actions is not normal and is being met with protest and opposition across the country.
—Edwin C. Yohnka, Chicago Tribune, 13 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for harsh
Recent Examples of Synonyms for harsh
Adjective
-
The vote took place against an increasingly violent backlash to the Trump administration's tough immigration policies.—
Adeola Adeosun,
MSNBC Newsweek,
15 June 2025
-
In Mind For startups, achieving more with less can be tough.—
John Hall,
Forbes.com,
15 June 2025
Adjective
-
Immediately, a loud chorus of boos can be heard from the crowd, demonstrating the attendees' displeasure with the news.—
Jason Lemon,
MSNBC Newsweek,
23 June 2025
-
That’s why Central Florida residents should speak up, now and loud.—
Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board,
The Orlando Sentinel,
21 June 2025
Adjective
-
The family lives on the 18th floor of a high-rise building and getting into the underground garage that doubles as a bomb shelter during Russian attacks is an uncomfortable experience.—
Ivana Kottasová,
CNN Money,
15 June 2025
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The other panelists and the show's host all tried to move past the comedian's uncomfortable move and go on with the show.—
Julia Moore,
People.com,
12 June 2025
Adjective
-
At JPMorgan, an internal culture study found that fewer employees feel like their health and well-being are a corporate priority, likely triggered by the bank’s strict five-day in-office policy.—
Maria Gracia Santillana Linares,
Forbes.com,
17 June 2025
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Strategy games require humanlike ability to think across and beyond multiple steps, deal with unpredictable responses, adapt to changing objectives and still conform to a strict rule set.—
Vinay K. Chaudhri,
Scientific American,
16 June 2025
Adjective
-
While battling through an injury, McDavid was held without a point in each of the last two games, including that painful 2-1 loss in Game 7.—
Daniel Nugent-Bowman,
New York Times,
16 June 2025
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In particular, three symptoms—vaginal dryness, painful intercourse, and increased urinary tract infections, hot flashes, and sleep quality—often emerge as particularly severe for breast cancer patients.—
Chloe Castleberry,
Flow Space,
16 June 2025
Adjective
-
Some of these vitamins have quality issues, like a fishy or unpleasant taste.—
BestReviews,
Mercury News,
25 June 2025
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Diana, for example, when anything unpleasant was said in her presence, would slowly blink her eyes in an incredible act of denial.—
Rosemary Counter,
Time,
25 June 2025
Adjective
-
The decision to leave Iran was driven by the oppressive changes following the Iranian Revolution in 1979 concerning the treatment of women.—
Ashley J. DiMella,
FOXNews.com,
16 June 2025
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In April 1989, pro-democracy students began protesting against the Chinese Communist government’s oppressive restrictions on freedom of speech and democratic values.—
Michelle Steel,
Oc Register,
9 June 2025
Adjective
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My goodness, these men wanted to win the U.S. Open with every bit of their being, to finally win a major championship and make this ugly, rainy day worth the battles behind them.—
Brody Miller,
New York Times,
16 June 2025
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The beautiful game deserves better than to be played against a backdrop of ugly anti-human rights policies.—
MSNBC Newsweek,
MSNBC Newsweek,
13 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Harsh.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/harsh. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.
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