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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for harshness
Noun
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While relapse of multiple myeloma is regarded as inevitable, the timing and severity vary widely.—
Anna Giorgi,
Verywell Health,
14 July 2025 -
But in the meantime, relatives could only guess the severity of the injury by observing the facial expressions of Nuggets personnel.—
Bennett Durando,
Denver Post,
13 July 2025
Noun
-
In his college days, Quintero would frequent La Jolla Village and The Shores, usually to grab a bite to eat or visit Warwick’s bookstore.—
Noah Lyons,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
24 July 2025
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The secret to this fantastic recipe is pockets of bursting, gooey cheese in every bite.—
Hallie Milstein,
Southern Living,
24 July 2025
Noun
-
Crews on the Dragon Bravo Fire planned to build a fire line along Forest Road 610 on the northeastern edge of the fire, according to the southwest team.—
Rey Covarrubias Jr,
AZCentral.com,
21 July 2025
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Pearl Cove Beach Club Located at the western edge of Celebration Key, Pearl Cove offers an exclusive experience for an additional cost.—
Nathan Diller,
USA Today,
21 July 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Harshness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/harshness. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.
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