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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for harshness
Noun
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But in the visiting clubhouse, where initial X-rays on Tatis’ hand were inconclusive about the severity of his injury, the Padres didn’t seem ready to turn down the dial.—
Jack Harris,
Los Angeles Times,
20 June 2025 -
Armor can reduce the severity of the hit and also affect how big the damage is.—
Rob Wieland,
Forbes.com,
20 June 2025
Noun
-
There’s also an on-site bar/lounge serving wine, cocktails, and light bites, and a coffee shop and cafe located next door in the Salish Visitors Center.—
Elizabeth Brownfield,
Forbes.com,
20 June 2025
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This potential trilogy is off to a solid — if not spectacular — start, though more bite would have been welcome.—
Mark Meszoros,
Boston Herald,
19 June 2025
Noun
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The group assembled in Romare Bearden Park shortly after 6 p.m., just barely outnumbering a dozen city police officers stationed in clusters around the area’s edge.—
Lila Hempel-Edgers,
Charlotte Observer,
27 June 2025
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To get started, consider the following first steps: • Deploy in geographically diverse edge and core regions to avoid over-concentration.—
Mark Mahle,
Forbes.com,
27 June 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Harshness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/harshness. Accessed 1 Jul. 2025.
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