HARSHLY Synonyms: 62 Similar and Opposite Words

harshly

adverb

Definition of harshly next

as in severely

in a manner so as to cause loss or suffering treated the prisoners harshly, and many died

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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 harshly Later, people tell me that the police interrogated her like a potential suspect—not harshly, just because of standard procedure. —

Akash Kapur, New Yorker, 12 May 2026 The bill is separate from a law passed in March that approved the death penalty for Palestinians convicted of murdering Israelis, a measure harshly condemned by the international community and rights groups as discriminatory and inhumane. —

ABC News, 11 May 2026 Mavropanos has grown in confidence since harshly being labelled ‘Mavropanic’. —

Roshane Thomas, New York Times, 9 May 2026 This study found that people may be judging you more harshly. —

Sam Woodward, USA Today, 8 May 2026 Turner was harshly critical of broadcast TV and establishment news judgments. —

Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 6 May 2026 After Talley’s initial court hearing Monday, Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 7 President John Catanzara and Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza were among several officials who harshly criticized the passage of the SAFE-T Act and Lyke’s decision to grant Talley pretrial release. —

Caroline Kubzansky, Chicago Tribune, 28 Apr. 2026 This is a president who had frequently and harshly criticized many of the reporters in front of him, and had sued many of the news organizations that employ them. —

Matt Viser, The Atlantic, 27 Apr. 2026 Escalona, who was harshly critical of both Carollos during the campaign, initially questioned the three deals. —

Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 27 Apr. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for harshly

Adverb

Iran has repeatedly used internet shutdowns during periods of unrest, where access to the global internet is severely restricted or completely cut, making foreign websites and apps unreachable.

— Tim Lister, CNN Money, 10 May 2026
Conducting a soil test will eliminate the guesswork when choosing the right type and amount of fertilizer for your trees, as using too much fertilizer or the incorrect type can severely damage them.

— SJ McShane, Martha Stewart, 10 May 2026