harshness

noun

Definition of harshnessnext
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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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

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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 harshness Reparations are about exercising a radical vision, thinking beyond the harshness of life, and knowing that something better is possible. — Literary Hub, 27 July 2026 The harshness of the response suggested that after nearly five decades of trying to negotiate with the SSPX, the Holy See has had enough. — ABC News, 2 July 2026 The harshness of the response suggested that after trying to negotiate with the SSPX, the Vatican under Leo XIV had had enough. — Nicole Winfield, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026 Sunlight naturally sanitizes, and air drying prevents the harshness of high heat. — Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 29 June 2026 Yet the harshness of humanity has been constantly rescued by our capacity to create and love. — Simon Sebag Montefiore, The Atlantic, 28 June 2026 Read more Amid the harshness of Jim Crow, Walker accomplished what seemed impossible. — Vivian Yee, New York Times, 20 June 2026 Then there is the harshness of space. — Sven Bilén, The Conversation, 16 June 2026 There is no lag to anticipate and no visual harshness pulling attention away from the music. — William Jones, USA Today, 3 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for harshness
  1. bitterness
  2. severity
  3. bite
  4. edge
  5. roughness
Noun
  • Its distinct warm, smoky, and toasted aromas, resulting from the roasting process, offer a unique flavor profile with less bitterness.
    — Carissa Chesanek, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026
  • Delicate notes of wild berries complement the citrusy hop character and crisp, dry finish, creating a perfect balance of fruity flavor and bitterness.
    — Jess Fleming, Twin Cities, 21 July 2026
Definition of bitterness
Noun
  • Courtney, an Army veteran who served with the 1st Ranger Battalion, immediately recognized the severity of his injury.
    — Tori Mason, CBS News, 31 July 2026
  • But the Dodgers have downplayed the severity of that ailment and are under the impression that throwing doesn’t hurt it.
    — Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 31 July 2026
Definition of severity
Noun
  • Grab a bite at one of the nearby seafood restaurants or indulge in the property’s on-site sauna.
    — Kelsey Mulvey, Vogue, 4 Aug. 2026
  • The state health department says that avoiding tick bites is the best way to avoid tularemia.
    — Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of bite
Noun
  • The frontier of what needs a human recedes every quarter, and the companies that know exactly where the line sits have a real edge.
    — Michael Wee, Forbes.com, 3 Aug. 2026
  • On the fourth pitch of the at-bat, Yamamoto turned to his splitter for the first time, barely clipping the inside edge of the strike zone.
    — Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 2 Aug. 2026
Definition of edge
Noun
  • According to the company, the platform delivers high critical-dimension uniformity, low line-edge roughness, and a large process window across an entire wafer.
    — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 25 July 2026
  • It’s formulated with key ingredients such as Palmitoyl Tripeptide-38 to smooth out the skin’s texture, including roughness and crow’s feet.
    — Jessie Quinn, StyleCaster, 21 July 2026
Definition of roughness

Browse Nearby Words

harshly
harshness
harum-scarum
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Cite this Entry

“Harshness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/harshness. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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