1
as in tough
difficult to endure
harsh conditions in the refugee camp
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in loud
disagreeable to one's aesthetic or artistic sense
the harsh lighting in the cafeteria makes the food look slightly off-color
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in uncomfortable
causing discomfort
the harsh northern climate
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in strict
given to exacting standards of discipline and self-restraint
a harsh judge when it comes to drug users and especially drug dealers
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in painful
hard to accept or bear especially emotionally
the harsh reality of failure harsh words of criticism from her music teacher
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
6
as in unpleasant
not giving pleasure to the mind or senses
winced at the harsh sound that the beginner violinist was making
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
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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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of harsh
Laia Farran Graves, Forbes.com, 14 Aug. 2025
But this time, the State Department was also harsher in its evaluation of Ukraine, mirroring President Donald Trump's tendency to criticize both sides of the conflicts.
—Shannon K. Kingston, ABC News, 12 Aug. 2025
Graphic, statement-making shadow doesn’t need to be harsh.
—Calin Van Paris, Vogue, 12 Aug. 2025
Detergents can be harsh for babies and people with sensitive skin and allergies, causing itchiness, rash, and maybe even sneezing or watery eyes from their strong fragrances.
—Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 11 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for harsh
Adjective
Hair care brands are also incorporating UV defense into repair and styling products: summer can be harsh on your hair but using the correct products can prevent it from getting damaged.
—Laia Farran Graves, Forbes.com, 14 Aug. 2025
But this time, the State Department was also harsher in its evaluation of Ukraine, mirroring President Donald Trump's tendency to criticize both sides of the conflicts.
—Shannon K. Kingston, ABC News, 12 Aug. 2025
Graphic, statement-making shadow doesn’t need to be harsh.
—Calin Van Paris, Vogue, 12 Aug. 2025
Detergents can be harsh for babies and people with sensitive skin and allergies, causing itchiness, rash, and maybe even sneezing or watery eyes from their strong fragrances.
—Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 11 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for harsh
Recent Examples of Synonyms for harsh
Adjective
-
Unlike Trump, they aren’t charmed by the Kremlin’s tough guy.—
New York Daily News Editorial Board,
New York Daily News,
14 Aug. 2025
-
Even if increasing competition and financial obstruction have influenced summer recruitment, making this season’s challenges tougher, the confidence in Unai Emery and Villa’s football department remains unerring.—
Jacob Tanswell,
New York Times,
14 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Noise level Pet fountains are never completely silent, but some are louder than others.—
BestReviews,
Mercury News,
7 Aug. 2025
-
Given its height and expanses of marble, the dining hall is very, very loud at dinner, the Green Room less so, and by nine o’clock quite comfortable.—
John Mariani,
Forbes.com,
6 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Less Strain: Reaching over your child’s car seat can be uncomfortable and awkward.—
Laura Lu,
Parents,
16 Aug. 2025
-
For some, the action echoes uncomfortable historical chapters when politicians used language to paint predominantly Black cities with racist narratives to shape public opinion and justify police action.—
John Seewer,
Chicago Tribune,
16 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Although House rules allow members of Congress to provide gifts to other members, there is strict guidance on the appearance of impropriety and required disclosures.—
Jeff McDonald,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
16 Aug. 2025
-
In addition to broadening Opinel's appeal in jurisdictions with strict regulations on locking knives, the Opiflex mechanism is designed to streamline blade opening and closing for fast, intuitive knife use.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
16 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Although the condition itself isn’t typically painful, raw or blistered skin can lead to pain and swelling.7 Secondary skin infections—like if a blister is exposed to bacteria and gets infected—can also cause painful symptoms.—
Sarah Bradley,
Health,
15 Aug. 2025
-
Once tooth enamel is lost, the tooth nerves are exposed, which is painful and makes the teeth sensitive.—
Thomas Westerholm,
MSNBC Newsweek,
15 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Once again, America confronts the unpleasant truth that the Constitution does not expressly guarantee a right to vote — and neither will the Supreme Court.—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
12 Aug. 2025
-
These can be unpleasant enough to lead some women to quit them, according to research.—
Katia Riddle,
NPR,
11 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
The speedy identification of cases can affect whether a person is eligible for post-exposure treatments, too, which can limit the severity of the disease and sometimes prevent illness altogether.—
Kristen Jordan Shamus,
Freep.com,
7 Aug. 2025
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However, the company has now reduced this forecast to just $16 per share — a nearly 47% decrease that underscores the severity of the company’s operational struggles.—
Trefis Team,
Forbes.com,
4 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Driving in Palm Beach County — home to Mar-a-Lago — the windows are up, and the AC is blasting to counter the oppressive heat and humidity outside.—
David Culver,
CNN Money,
10 Aug. 2025
-
What was mostly missing was the occasional cool front that pushes out the most oppressive heat and humidity.—
Staff And Wire Reports,
Boston Herald,
10 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Harsh.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/harsh. Accessed 22 Aug. 2025.
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