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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of harsh
Perhaps wary of the privacy implications, Google rolled out its Find Hub network (previously Find My Device) with harsh restrictions on where device finding would work.
—
ArsTechnica, 25 June 2025
Eighteen-year-old Amal embarks on a desperate search for work, navigating the harsh realities of survival, hope and resilience amidst an uncertain future.
—Matthew Carey, Deadline, 25 June 2025
In fact, as dish soap has become more regulated and safer over the years, thanks to the elimination of phosphates and other harsh chemicals from most formulations, its high-performing capabilities have become available to more and more areas of the home for safe, efficient cleaning.
—Lauren Wicks, Southern Living, 24 June 2025
Some of them include washing with harsh shampoos, particularly those with sulfates or alcohol; overusing scalp scrubs or clarifying products; and not washing frequently enough.
—Jamie Wilson, Glamour, 16 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for harsh
ArsTechnica, 25 June 2025
Eighteen-year-old Amal embarks on a desperate search for work, navigating the harsh realities of survival, hope and resilience amidst an uncertain future.
—Matthew Carey, Deadline, 25 June 2025
In fact, as dish soap has become more regulated and safer over the years, thanks to the elimination of phosphates and other harsh chemicals from most formulations, its high-performing capabilities have become available to more and more areas of the home for safe, efficient cleaning.
—Lauren Wicks, Southern Living, 24 June 2025
Some of them include washing with harsh shampoos, particularly those with sulfates or alcohol; overusing scalp scrubs or clarifying products; and not washing frequently enough.
—Jamie Wilson, Glamour, 16 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for harsh
Recent Examples of Synonyms for harsh
Adjective
-
Even these young players already have major tournament experience — a huge strength given their tough group.—
Megan Feringa,
New York Times,
28 June 2025
-
Nor is anything that tough necessary to prevent chronic illness.—
Carolyn Rosenblatt,
Forbes.com,
27 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
-
And also burst into laughter – uncomfortable laughter.—
Katcy Stephan,
Variety,
29 June 2025
-
The uncomfortable truth is that economics, not ethics, will be the final arbiter of the transition's speed, even if ethics gets to set the goal.—
Alexander Puutio,
Forbes.com,
28 June 2025
Adjective
-
Officials accomplished this by re-evaluating risk, putting strict limits on how long a person can be held in isolation and expanding behavioral health programs.—
Kelly Davis,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
29 June 2025
-
The train itself is powered by energy-efficient DX-class diesel-electric locomotives, and the carrier maintains strict environmental protocols, including waste minimization and recycling practices on board.—
Christopher Elliott,
Forbes.com,
29 June 2025
Adjective
-
Their venom, similar to a bee’s or wasp’s, results in a painful, itchy pustule or blister on the skin.—
Gareth McGrath,
USA Today,
28 June 2025
-
Once Schaefer’s emotional moment was done, the rest of the conversations ranged from mildly awkward to borderline painful.—
Sean McIndoe,
New York Times,
28 June 2025
Adjective
-
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
-
Some of these vitamins have quality issues, like a fishy or unpleasant taste.—
BestReviews,
Mercury News,
25 June 2025
Adjective
-
For those still experiencing the oppressive heat, here are some tips for how to find your own bit of relief.—
Nicole Fallert,
USA Today,
27 June 2025
-
But what is a heat dome, and why does the phenomenon bring oppressive heat with it?—
Denise Chow,
NBC news,
26 June 2025
Adjective
-
The wild and ugly scenes saw rioters attack law enforcement with rocks and Molotov cocktails while others burned vehicles and other property.—
Michael Dorgan,
FOXNews.com,
28 June 2025
-
The pair hit an ugly double-spinebuster on the Arabic announce table.—
Alfred Konuwa,
Forbes.com,
28 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Harsh.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/harsh. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share