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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of harshness
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
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
-
Perhaps the bitterness refers to the alimony check?—
Jason O'Bryan,
Robb Report,
4 Oct. 2025
-
The Phillies have tasted enough bitterness in previous Octobers to know that.—
Matt Gelb,
New York Times,
2 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Charlie and Pim are loyal employees of Smiling Friends, a mysterious business that exists solely to assist people with their problems, regardless of their severity.—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
3 Oct. 2025
-
Prosecutors have recommended an 11-year sentence, citing Combs’s lack of remorse and the severity of harm inflicted.—
Hannah Parry,
MSNBC Newsweek,
3 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Still, the two main budget bills easily passed both chambers and were sent to the governor before the Senate took up the marijuana tax legislation, taking the bite out of Hall's threat.—
Paul Egan,
Freep.com,
3 Oct. 2025
-
To reduce the risk of mosquito bites and West Nile virus, health officials recommend using insect repellent and wearing long sleeves and long pants when outdoors, especially during peak mosquito activity at dawn and dusk.—
Caroline Neal,
Louisville Courier Journal,
2 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Rainwater tends to accumulate at the road edges.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
4 Oct. 2025
-
Rainwater tends to gather along the road edges.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
4 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
The Jets had a few plays go against them, particularly unnecessary roughness penalties that weren't called like this one here.—
Drew VonScio,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 Sep. 2025
-
Chase Lucas flagged for unnecessary roughness on the kickoff return.—
Jerry McDonald,
Mercury News,
29 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Harshness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/harshness. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.
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