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
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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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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
Recent law changes could bring harsh penalties for activities like those alleged against Scholz.
—
David Clarey, jsonline.com, 3 Oct. 2025
Lina, a young woman facing harsh coming-of-age rituals, forms a forbidden connection with a man.
—Anna Marie De La Fuente, Variety, 3 Oct. 2025
The Chicago Fed is one of those organizations looking to provide alternates to BLS data that had come under harsh White House criticism prior to this week’s shutdown.
—Jeff Cox, CNBC, 3 Oct. 2025
With that being said, a former superstar quarterback spoke out with a harsh take about McCarthy recently.
—Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for harsh
David Clarey, jsonline.com, 3 Oct. 2025
Lina, a young woman facing harsh coming-of-age rituals, forms a forbidden connection with a man.
—Anna Marie De La Fuente, Variety, 3 Oct. 2025
The Chicago Fed is one of those organizations looking to provide alternates to BLS data that had come under harsh White House criticism prior to this week’s shutdown.
—Jeff Cox, CNBC, 3 Oct. 2025
With that being said, a former superstar quarterback spoke out with a harsh take about McCarthy recently.
—Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for harsh
Recent Examples of Synonyms for harsh
Adjective
-
Lammens was perhaps fortunate to escape sanction then (Stuart Atwell booked the forward for diving), but this was a valuable occasion ahead of tougher tests, beginning at Anfield.—
Laurie Whitwell,
New York Times,
5 Oct. 2025
-
There will be some tough picking in there, but typically the predicting business gets a little easier in region play.—
Tyler Palmateer,
Nashville Tennessean,
4 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Meet Nashville's new crime-fighting Clydesdale Metro Nashville mounted patrol officer Michael Douglas squeezed a three-foot-long rubber chicken, producing an increasingly louder and closer screeching sound to try and provoke a 1,700-pound Clydesdale named Ross.—
Laura L. Davis,
Nashville Tennessean,
6 Oct. 2025
-
At the same time, Mercury and Mars are activating your sector of expansion, meaning your inner philosopher is loud.—
Dossé-Via Trenou,
Refinery29,
5 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
This is an uncomfortable reality, butting up against every idea of American exceptionalism.—
Hugh Kellenberger,
New York Times,
2 Oct. 2025
-
The woman described being shocked and feeling uncomfortable.—
Alex Brizee,
Idaho Statesman,
2 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
The therapy will debut at Relive Health’s Stuart, Florida location, thanks to recent updates in Florida’s regulatory framework allowing advanced stem cell treatments under strict medical oversight.—
Nia Bowers,
USA Today,
2 Oct. 2025
-
The weddings are planned by celebrity event stylist Slomique Hawrylo and adhere to a strict budget.—
Samantha Stutsman,
PEOPLE,
2 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Mario Vuskovic’s suspension in 2022 was part of that struggle, another painful situation to overcome.—
Sebastian Stafford-Bloor,
New York Times,
7 Oct. 2025
-
In place of pesky underwire — which is uncomfortable at best, and downright painful at its worst — the bra uses a sturdy elastic band and adjustable straps to provide comfortable support.—
Clara McMahon,
PEOPLE,
7 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
This can prevent mold and mildew growth, which can lead to unpleasant odors and damage to the dishwasher.—
Kamron Sanders,
Better Homes & Gardens,
8 Oct. 2025
-
But too much fiber at once can cause unpleasant gastrointestinal issues, like gas and bloating.—
Stephanie Anderson Witmer,
Health,
7 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Global organization Human Rights Watch accused the festival of diverting attention away from allegations of the government’s severe repression of free speech and criticized comedians for performing on the behest of an oppressive regime.—
Anthony Robledo,
USA Today,
4 Oct. 2025
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The oppressive rule has led to nations cutting off aid, leading to one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises.—
Reed Albergotti,
semafor.com,
3 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Lindell handles very ugly, difficult matchups and usually comes out on top, regardless of who he’s partnered with.—
Harman Dayal,
New York Times,
7 Oct. 2025
-
If the scoreline made for ugly reading, the performance wasn’t much better.—
Ben Church,
CNN Money,
6 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Harsh.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/harsh. Accessed 10 Oct. 2025.
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