Synonyms of harshly

harshly

adverb

as in severely

in a manner so as to cause loss or suffering

treated the prisoners harshly, and many died

Synonyms & Similar Words

• severely
• oppressively
• brutally
• hard
• sternly
• stiffly
• ill
• strongly
• abusively
• roughly
• aggressively
• ruthlessly
• mercilessly
• grimly
• pitilessly
• unmercifully
• viciously
• heartlessly
• savagely
• insensitively
• hardly
• unsparingly
• firmly
• inhumanely
• inhumanly
• tyrannically
• uncharitably
• callously
• unfeelingly
• obdurately
• brutishly
• toughly
• resolutely
• determinedly
• cold-bloodedly
• assertively
• insensately
• gruffly
• decidedly
• hard-heartedly

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• lightly
• gently
• softly
• leniently
• mildly
• tenderly
• kindly
• lovingly
• graciously
• cordially
• benevolently
• considerately
• sympathetically
• compassionately
• clemently
• mercifully
• humanely
• understandingly
• charitably
• benignantly
• tolerantly
• softheartedly

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of harshly

Lovingly based on Chéri’s own family history, Wanted whisks the audience into the postbellum south where Black Americans have been given their freedom in name alone, as they are harshly and repeatedly reminded. — Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 9 Nov. 2026

Mamdani said that treating people who disagree with him harshly or with judgment leads to both sides feeling like there has to be a winner or loser in the debate. — Juan J. Arroyo, Rolling Stone, 7 Nov. 2026

Her intentions were made clear in exchanges on social media with Bowden, who harshly criticized Honeycutt for crossing party lines, particularly for talking with Ocasio-Cortez. — Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 5 Nov. 2026

For gaining independence, it was harshly punished financially. — Elisa Turner, Miami Herald, 29 Oct. 2026

When student vigils were harshly dealt with by police, the protests became a campaign. — Tim Lister, CNN Money, 26 Oct. 2026

Thankfully, the Coach hasn't punished my scores too harshly for ignoring it. — Andrew Gebhart, PC Magazine, 26 Oct. 2026

Claiming that they are being harshly discriminated against due to their religion and conservative beliefs, the couple asks help from Mia, an attorney, to represent their case in the Norwegian court. — Tomris Laffly, Time, 23 Oct. 2026

That decision by the president was praised by Putin but criticized harshly by members of Congress, including some Republicans. — Jennifer Jacobs, CBS News, 21 Oct. 2026