Synonyms of harshness

harshness

noun

1

as in bitterness

a harsh or sharp quality

there was a harshness about her voice that made her an unlikely but surprisingly evocative singer of torch songs

Synonyms & Similar Words

• bitterness
• bite
• edge
• roughness
• severity
• acidity
• acerbity
• poignancy
• acridity
• sharpness
• acuteness
• pungency
• spice
• poignance
• acrimony
• asperity
• tartness
• severeness
• acridness
• keenness
• acrimoniousness
• shrillness
• acidness
• tang
• punch
• virulence
• ginger
• maliciousness
• raucousness
• vitriol
• pointedness
• thorniness
• cattiness

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• softness
• gentleness
• mildness
• kindliness

• softness
• gentleness
• mildness
• kindliness

2

as in severity

the quality or state of being demanding or unyielding (as in discipline or criticism)

was surprised at the harshness of the choirmaster's criticism, since he was usually pretty easygoing

Synonyms & Similar Words

• severity
• sternness
• rigidity
• strictness
• inflexibility
• rigidness
• hardness
• stringency
• rigor
• exactingness
• rigorousness
• implacability
• callousness
• gruffness
• obduracy
• pitilessness
• hard-heartedness
• dourness
• monasticism
• resolve
• steadfastness
• obstinacy
• stubbornness
• asceticism
• firmness
• obdurateness
• determination
• austerity
• austereness

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• gentleness
• flexibility
• tolerance
• softness
• tenderness
• patience
• kindness
• indulgence
• mildness
• forbearance
• laxness
• willingness
• responsiveness
• compliance
• lenience
• pliability
• pliancy

See More

• gentleness
• flexibility
• tolerance
• softness
• tenderness
• patience
• kindness
• indulgence
• mildness
• forbearance
• laxness
• willingness
• responsiveness
• compliance
• lenience
• pliability
• pliancy

See More