raw 1 of 2

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as in crude
being such as found in nature and not altered by processing or refining raw sugar is honey-colored because the crystals retain cane juices, minerals, and other impurities that haven't been refined out

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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as in biting
causing intense discomfort to one's skin bundle up if you're going sailing, as there's a raw wind out there in the bay

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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raw

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noun

as in nudity
the state of having no clothes on one's body a secluded swimming hole where we could swim in the raw

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective raw differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of raw are crude, rough, and rude. While all these words mean "lacking in social refinement," raw suggests being untested, inexperienced, or unfinished.

turning raw youths into polished performers

When might crude be a better fit than raw?

The words crude and raw can be used in similar contexts, but crude may apply to thought or behavior limited to the gross, the obvious, or the primitive.

a crude joke

When could rough be used to replace raw?

The meanings of rough and raw largely overlap; however, rough is likely to stress lack of polish and gentleness.

rough manners

When is rude a more appropriate choice than raw?

The words rude and raw are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, rude implies ignorance of or indifference to good form; it may suggest intentional discourtesy.

rude behavior

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of raw
Adjective
Niamh has created a world that feels both thrillingly glamorous and emotionally raw, with characters who ache with ambition, desire, and heartbreak. Max Goldbart, Deadline, 18 June 2025 His resume ranking includes raw results of games — i.e., wins and losses — which SP+ does not. Ralph D. Russo, New York Times, 17 June 2025
Noun
Raw beef stored above raw shelled eggs, crab and shrimp. Ebony Day, azcentral, 4 Mar. 2020 Several open pans of raw shelled eggs stored directly above ready-to-eat leafy greens in cooler. Ebony Day, azcentral, 15 Jan. 2020 See All Example Sentences for raw
Recent Examples of Synonyms for raw
Adjective
  • Just dump uncooked pasta, chicken, sauce, and cheese, then bake until bubbly.
    Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 May 2025
  • Raw foods include unpasteurized milk, uncooked meat or unpasteurized eggs.
    Eduardo Cuevas, USA TODAY, 17 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • For example, China imports roughly three-quarters of its crude oil from overseas, with over 43% of the crude oil that China does import coming from the Middle East.
    Wesley Alexander Hill, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025
  • With the second-largest gas reserves in the world and the fourth-largest crude oil reserves, Iran is one of the world’s major energy producers.
    Bora Erden, New York Times, 18 June 2025
Adjective
  • Even Zelensky – who has had a turbulent relationship with Trump – came away with wins.
    Joseph Ataman, CNN Money, 25 June 2025
  • Reina, Fil-Am team center back, brings us on this turbulent journey, culminating in an intimate trip to her grandmother’s hometown in the Philippines.
    Matthew Carey, Deadline, 25 June 2025
Adjective
  • Come for the carnage (R.I.P. little Alex Kintner), stay for the chilling character moments (Shaw's USS Indianapolis speech as Quint).
    Chris Nashawaty, EW.com, 20 June 2025
  • Now, in 2025, the breach at UNFI raises a chilling question: what a biological virus could not shut down, could a cyberattack succeed in crippling?
    Emil Sayegh, Forbes.com, 19 June 2025
Adjective
  • As always, Danan’s voice is hysterically funny, her characters’ exhibiting a wry and biting sense of humor.
    Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 19 May 2025
  • Fey’s writing usually has a reputation of being more on the biting or sardonic side, but The Four Seasons trades out the eye rolls for loving looks (mostly).
    Tom Smyth, Vulture, 15 May 2025
Adjective
  • Cyberattacks against companies have been rampant for years, but a string of attacks on retail companies have raised awareness of the issue because the breaches can impact customers.
    Ani Freedman, Fortune, 20 June 2025
  • A lot of those respondents claimed to dislike the technology — but its widespread adoption implies a subtle incursion, and the implications of this rampant use are devastating.
    Sheldon Pearce, NPR, 17 June 2025
Adjective
  • Uranus, Neptune and Saturn will also be in the sky, though the former two are impossible to see with the naked eye and the latter difficult.
    Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 21 June 2025
  • The first-gen roam the mainland naked because of the idea that their clothes disintegrated long ago, and their appearances are characterized by veins that protrude from their body in revolting knots.
    EW.com, EW.com, 20 June 2025
Adjective
  • LPTs are a new and rare group of cosmic objects discovered in 2022.
    Mia Thurow, USA Today, 26 June 2025
  • Among the most notable highlights: Providence in Hollywood earned its third star, while Somni, in West Hollywood, made a stunning debut with three stars—a rare and remarkable feat.
    Jim Dobson, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Raw.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/raw. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

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