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
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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
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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MacDonald agrees that some of Kiros' positions could put Democratic candidates in a tough spot.
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The 34 measures include cuts to income tax for low- and middle income families, an overhaul of the creaking pension system, tougher rules for employees' sick leave and a reduction of the country's stifling bureaucracy.
Adjective
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Despite a soggy start, the crowd stayed loud and energetic throughout the night.
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There are loud crowds, and then there are Mexican soccer crowds.
Adjective
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Runcie is sharply attuned to the vast uncomfortable grey areas of gender and power relations, navigating them with wry, revelatory observations that are devastatingly acute.
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That observation carries an uncomfortable implication for executives.
Adjective
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California has strict fireworks laws because of the combination of fire danger and population, Berlant said.
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In whatever role, expect Teng to be on a strict innings limit and pitch count for his next few outings at Triple-A Sugar Land.
Adjective
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With Boston sealing the sweep on a game-winning single from Jarren Duran, a nightmarish, long weekend at Fenway Park came to a painful end for the Bombers.
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Remember, stretching should never be painful.
Adjective
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Alas, Ligeti proved to be an extraordinarily difficult collaborator, his manic perfectionism colliding with practical reality and leading to unpleasant scenes.
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The consequences are unpleasant, but can also turn dangerous very quickly as body temperature rises.
Adjective
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Other booths included photo opportunities dressed in traditional Colonial garb, hands-on historical exhibits and interactive displays that offered visitors a break from the oppressive heat.
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Due to the oppressive heat, the Phillies have adjusted operations through Thursday's game.
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 5 Jul. 2026.
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