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
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Recent Examples of harshness
Middleton aimed to create a score that reflects the harshness and hope of the desert setting.
—
Audrey Gibbs, Nashville Tennessean, 17 Oct. 2025
The harshness of the language and the raw politicking shocked voters.
—Matt Klink, Oc Register, 6 Sep. 2025
The bass doesn’t overpower vocals, and the treble avoids harshness.
—Prakhar Khanna, Forbes.com, 11 Aug. 2025
Audrey Gibbs, Nashville Tennessean, 17 Oct. 2025
The harshness of the language and the raw politicking shocked voters.
—Matt Klink, Oc Register, 6 Sep. 2025
The bass doesn’t overpower vocals, and the treble avoids harshness.
—Prakhar Khanna, Forbes.com, 11 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for harshness
Noun
-
Biden’s attempts to reingratiate himself have largely fallen on deaf ears, given the lasting bitterness many Democrats hold over his handling of the last year of his presidency.—
Brady Knox,
The Washington Examiner,
8 Nov. 2025
-
Cook mustard greens with olive oil and spices like pepper flakes and garlic, then add vinegar or lemon juice to balance the bitterness.—
Merve Ceylan,
Health,
4 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Kp is an index used to indicate the severity of the global magnetic disturbances in near-Earth space, NOAA said.—
Jenna Prestininzi,
Freep.com,
7 Nov. 2025
-
Brain scans revealed the severity of the bleeds and whether patients showed signs of cerebral small vessel disease, a condition that damages tiny blood vessels in the brain and is linked to aging, high blood pressure and dementia.—
Khloe Quill,
FOXNews.com,
6 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Crisp bits of bacon add a salty crunch, while the green onion brings a fresh, mild bite.—
Kimberly Holland,
Southern Living,
6 Nov. 2025
-
The poolside Joia Bar, modeled after a traditional Dominican casita, overlooks the lagoon pool and the sea, offering light bites, appetizers, and cocktails.—
Regan Stephens,
Travel + Leisure,
6 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
The measure appears to have been the least favored around the southeastern edge of the county, an area that was originally supposed to get access to the silver line.—
Caitlin McGlade,
Charlotte Observer,
7 Nov. 2025
-
These changes, as well as, wearing bangs were a major key to keeping her edges strong.—
Essence,
Essence,
7 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Miami led 20-17 with one minute left at SMU when an unnecessary roughness flag — one of 12 penalties on the day — allowed the Mustangs to pick up a fourth-and-9 en route to a game-tying field goal.—
Stewart Mandel,
New York Times,
2 Nov. 2025
-
However, officials said there was no foul for targeting, but Downs was called for unnecessary roughness.—
Ryan Gaydos,
FOXNews.com,
2 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Harshness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/harshness. Accessed 16 Nov. 2025.
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