1
as in tough
difficult to endure
harsh conditions in the refugee camp
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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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in uncomfortable
causing discomfort
the harsh northern climate
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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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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
Cori Sears, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 May 2025
China has been at the center of the trade offensive that President Donald Trump launched on April 2, when the administration announced the harshest trade barriers in a century.
—Bloomberg News, Boston Herald, 10 May 2025
Given Cosmos 482 was designed to withstand Venus' harsh conditions, parts of it may survive its trip through the atmosphere and land back down on Earth, experts have said.
—Samantha Mathewson, Space.com, 8 May 2025
So are the anxieties of a younger generation that is graduating into what might be the harshest economy in more than ten years.
—Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 7 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for harsh
Adjective
From adorable accents to cozy touches, drivers are increasingly looking for ways to make their commutes and grocery runs just a bit more enjoyable—perhaps to offset the harsh reality of gas prices (and everything else).
—Cori Sears, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 May 2025
China has been at the center of the trade offensive that President Donald Trump launched on April 2, when the administration announced the harshest trade barriers in a century.
—Bloomberg News, Boston Herald, 10 May 2025
Given Cosmos 482 was designed to withstand Venus' harsh conditions, parts of it may survive its trip through the atmosphere and land back down on Earth, experts have said.
—Samantha Mathewson, Space.com, 8 May 2025
So are the anxieties of a younger generation that is graduating into what might be the harshest economy in more than ten years.
—Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 7 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for harsh
Recent Examples of Synonyms for harsh
Adjective
-
But his sharpness increased as the tournament progressed, especially in the semi-final against his toughest opponent on paper, Stephen Nedoroscik.—
Conor O'Neill,
New York Times,
10 May 2025
-
Dodging tough questions without seeming a bit evasive.—
Wesley Stenzel,
EW.com,
10 May 2025
Adjective
-
But due to noise from the venue next door, which was playing loud music amid a competing bar, Bruni bailed even after the musicians were assembled on stage.—
Chris Gardner,
HollywoodReporter,
17 May 2025
-
Literal flames surrounded the glow, both repelling and drawing you in more, followed by two loud, disorienting thumps.—
Christopher Rosa,
Glamour,
16 May 2025
Adjective
-
What’s undeniable is that the sight of someone who has contributed so much to Liverpool’s success in the modern era being subjected to such treatment on Sunday was deeply uncomfortable.—
James Pearce,
New York Times,
12 May 2025
-
Alexander Skarsgard’s tendency is toward characters who maintain the unavoidable aspect of beauty, but are uncomfortable looking like Alexander Skarsgard, or work to hide their beauty under buckets of blood or threats of abuse.—
Daniel Fienberg,
HollywoodReporter,
12 May 2025
Adjective
-
By pinpointing high-privilege users and monitoring data-sharing behaviors, Reco assists CISOs in implementing stricter access controls.—
Maria Williams,
USA Today,
13 May 2025
-
For many kids, this is about just expressing themselves, rather than strict communication, Estevez says.—
Wendy Wisner,
Parents,
12 May 2025
Adjective
-
The alternative — a world in which the United States and China no longer engage in trade — could be economically painful and destabilizing.—
Alan Rappeport,
New York Times,
10 May 2025
-
Appearance: The condition starts as small, extremely painful blisters on your shins (and sometimes your arms).—
Sherri Gordon,
Health,
9 May 2025
Adjective
-
Daily use by adolescents and adults can result in another unpleasant side effect: uncontrollable vomiting, according to a 2021 study.—
Sandee LaMotte,
CNN Money,
5 May 2025
-
Vivian Yin’s will contains an unpleasant surprise for her daughters.—
Ilana Masad,
Los Angeles Times,
2 May 2025
Noun
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Recalls are typically classified by severity, and while not all involve immediate danger, they are carried out as a precaution to protect public health.—
Jasmine Laws,
MSNBC Newsweek,
15 May 2025
-
Class 2 obesity: This ranges from 35-39.9, with a moderate risk of severity.—
Sherri Gordon,
Health,
15 May 2025
Adjective
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That this sincere notion dovetails with an itch to vacate her dour, oppressive home only adds to her determination.—
Robert Abele,
Los Angeles Times,
18 Apr. 2025
-
To be sure, Florida had its attractions, one of which was the sunny weather, although air conditioning was still rare at the time, and the heat and humidity could be oppressive for much of the year.—
Greg Daugherty,
Smithsonian Magazine,
15 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Harsh.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/harsh. Accessed 23 May. 2025.
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