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
Red and Black Red and black is a color pairing that Amy Peltier, creative director and CEO at Peltier Interiors, says can feel harsh, heavy, and overly dramatic in a home setting.
—
Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 Apr. 2026
The 2025-26 season for the Golden State Warriors was just another year in the pattern of the thirst for champagne showers in June dwindling to the harsh realities of a beer-budget roster.
—Jannelle Moore, Mercury News, 22 Apr. 2026
For a bird who once lived in such harsh conditions, these small, happy moments represent a life that has completely turned around.
—Samantha Agate, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Apr. 2026
The organization drove more than 30 hours through harsh winter conditions to transport nine of the chickens to permanent homes across the Midwest and West Coast.
—Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 22 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for harsh
Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 Apr. 2026
The 2025-26 season for the Golden State Warriors was just another year in the pattern of the thirst for champagne showers in June dwindling to the harsh realities of a beer-budget roster.
—Jannelle Moore, Mercury News, 22 Apr. 2026
For a bird who once lived in such harsh conditions, these small, happy moments represent a life that has completely turned around.
—Samantha Agate, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Apr. 2026
The organization drove more than 30 hours through harsh winter conditions to transport nine of the chickens to permanent homes across the Midwest and West Coast.
—Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 22 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for harsh
Recent Examples of Synonyms for harsh
Adjective
-
That's a tough ask given that this isn't the first time the network's credibility has come into question.—
Dan Zaksheske OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
23 Apr. 2026
-
Another tough one, all having to do with writer friends and boundaries (or the lack thereof).—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
23 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
And still, Goodell was greeted by a loud chorus of boos.—
Andrew Greif,
NBC news,
24 Apr. 2026
-
Jeffrey Spadjinske, police were called to the meeting on the report that individuals in attendance were being loud and disruptive.—
Justin Muszynski,
Hartford Courant,
24 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
And this is where things get uncomfortable for the top seed.—
Mike Bianchi,
The Orlando Sentinel,
20 Apr. 2026
-
Wilson has claimed that MacInnes told her that the incident made the young actress uncomfortable.—
Jake Kanter,
Deadline,
20 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
The government, which is mediating the negotiations, has already imposed a strict security bubble ready for the arrival of Vice President JD Vance and the Iranian delegation.—
Will Clark,
NBC news,
20 Apr. 2026
-
Donation is only considered after every life-saving effort has been exhausted and death has been declared according to strict medical and ethical standards.—
Dr. Hiroshi Sogawa,
Hartford Courant,
20 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Think about caring for an ill mate, losing income because of having to give up your job, having difficulty paying your bills and suffering from painful arthritis while serving as the unpaid caregiver.—
Helen Dennis,
Daily News,
19 Apr. 2026
-
Jan Garrod said the cost of farming and trucking with the skyrocketing cost of diesel is almost too painful to think about.—
Laura Ness,
Mercury News,
19 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Along the way there are medical emergencies, a drug trip, a private jet to a private Hot Chip concert somewhere mountainous and snowy, some unpleasant business with a dog, heartfelt conversations and existential crises.—
Robert Lloyd,
Boston Herald,
19 Apr. 2026
-
The spandex-blend material is ultra-stretchy, and there’s no unpleasant digging or pinching courtesy of the zipper- and button-free design.—
Izzy Baskette,
PEOPLE,
18 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Their film, created by a Palestinian-Israeli collective during oppressive times, aims to challenge the ongoing expulsion and propose a vision of equality.—
Brande Victorian,
HollywoodReporter,
23 Apr. 2026
-
Their rich odor was almost oppressive.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
21 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
As their mutual competitiveness grows shockingly ugly, Niall learns to turn Ruben’s Samsonian strength and fury against him, knocking down the pillars of Ruben’s own life.—
Inkoo Kang,
New Yorker,
24 Apr. 2026
-
Rudy Gobert followed his inspired Game 2 effort against Nikola Jokic by stifling the three-time MVP again on an ugly 7-for-26 shooting night, and the Timberwolves established a postseason franchise record by allowing the Nuggets just 11 points in the tone-setting first quarter.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
24 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Harsh.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/harsh. Accessed 25 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
