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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
And the penalty for AI use was much harsher for women than for men.
—
Michelle Travis,
Forbes.com,
25 June 2026
This safety hazard limits their use in harsh environments like aerospace equipment, military applications, and industrial Internet of Things (IoT) sensors.
—
Mrigakshi Dixit,
Interesting Engineering,
25 June 2026
This compact one-bedroom dwelling is made from high-quality materials, including alloy steel that can stand up against harsh weather conditions, according to the listing.
—
Toni Sutton,
PEOPLE,
24 June 2026
Growing plants need this mini greenhouse to keep them protected from pests and the harsh sun.
—
Stephanie Osmanski,
Better Homes & Gardens,
24 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for harsh
Michelle Travis,
Forbes.com,
25 June 2026
This safety hazard limits their use in harsh environments like aerospace equipment, military applications, and industrial Internet of Things (IoT) sensors.
—
Mrigakshi Dixit,
Interesting Engineering,
25 June 2026
This compact one-bedroom dwelling is made from high-quality materials, including alloy steel that can stand up against harsh weather conditions, according to the listing.
—
Toni Sutton,
PEOPLE,
24 June 2026
Growing plants need this mini greenhouse to keep them protected from pests and the harsh sun.
—
Stephanie Osmanski,
Better Homes & Gardens,
24 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for harsh
Recent Examples of Synonyms for harsh
Adjective
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Summer 2026 is having a tough time deciding on this season’s dominating nail trend.
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These are typically low-wage jobs that the healthcare industry writ large has had a tough time recruiting for since the pandemic.
Adjective
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The Brookhaven City Council unanimously approved a 40% hike in the city’s property tax rate earlier this week over loud opposition from some residents.
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The equalizer was exactly what Ecuador’s fans needed to get loud, roaring with joy after Germany's early lead was cut.
Adjective
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The conclusions from these findings are both uncomfortable and freeing.
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Francisco Lindor is injured, and other guys just look uncomfortable.
Adjective
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Under the law, California is able to set these stricter standards through a waiver from the EPA.
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And extreme sports accidents renew calls for stricter regulations.
Adjective
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However, Ukraine’s successes have highlighted its ability to inflict painful damage on Russia and change the course of the conflict while Moscow’s advances recently have ground to a near halt.
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California’s already-high electricity rates have increased far faster than inflation, threaten progress on climate change and pose painful affordability burdens on residents and businesses, the Berkeley report said.
Adjective
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Fresh grass clippings are great for masking naturally unpleasant odors in the garden by simply using them to cover the offensive materials.
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This could be an indication that the P-trap under the sink has dried out, which means water no longer blocks unpleasant smells from rising.
Adjective
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Dealing with extreme heat in India, where oppressive temperatures have become a matter of routine in recent years, revealed another disconnect.
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The Shah was so corrupt and oppressive that the 1979 revolution was almost inevitable.
Adjective
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With one notable exception, everyone over there has nothing but ugly things to say about their main villa counterparts.
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Women superheroes have always activated an ugly segment of the internet.
Cite this Entry
“Harsh.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/harsh. Accessed 28 Jun. 2026.
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