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
Two separate recalls have been classified as Class I, the most serious warning level, by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) because of potential salmonella contamination in raw tomato products distributed across multiple U.S. states. Jasmine Laws, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 May 2025 These technologies can strengthen the investigative process by transforming raw audio data into a strategic asset. 5. Beth Worthy, Forbes.com, 13 May 2025
Noun
Employee cracked a raw shelled egg with gloved hands then handled a clean plate and kitchen utensils without washing hands between tasks. Ebony Day, azcentral, 25 Dec. 2019 Tim RoneyGetty Images Her 1995 raw, ragey, best-selling album, Jagged Little Pill, spoke to a generation—and inspired a musical of the same name, opening on Broadway this month. Alanis Morissette, Marie Claire, 8 Nov. 2019 See All Example Sentences for raw
Recent Examples of Synonyms for raw
Adjective
  • Unlike previous trials, the team this time allowed the uncooked rings to freeze overnight.
    Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 24 Apr. 2025
  • Don’t love the uncooked taste of an egg cooked only on one side?
    Gretchen McKay, Twin Cities, 16 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • In energy trading, U.S. benchmark crude oil added 64 cents to $62.59 per barrel.
    Matt Ott, Chicago Tribune, 13 May 2025
  • Sixty percent of the crude oil imported from the United States in 2022 came from Canada, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.
    Vjosa Isai, New York Times, 12 May 2025
Adjective
  • Keep in mind, substantial wealth can be created in the market by those who maintain a composed and strategic approach during turbulent times.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 9 May 2025
  • The stakes are high, as the visits take place amid turbulent geopolitical tensions.
    Natasha Turak, CNBC, 9 May 2025
Adjective
  • The chilling effects, while hard to measure, are evident after Trump’s first 100 days in office, according to press freedom groups like the Committee to Protect Journalists and Reporters Without Borders.
    Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 3 May 2025
  • With its chilling new lineup and bold international scope, the Fantastic Pavilion is staking its claim as the soul of genre cinema at Cannes.
    Jamie Lang, Variety, 2 May 2025
Adjective
  • Katy Perry is continuing to catch strays, this time from the most biting demographic of all: the pop girlie fandom.
    Jessica Wang, EW.com, 2 May 2025
  • During the taping of a recent Netflix special, Kyle Dunnigan impersonated Musk onstage in a biting parody—the audience laughed, but Rogan sat mostly silent, avoiding eye contact, appearing unwilling to signal disloyalty to the tech mogul.
    Jesus Mesa, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • From waking our brains up 100 times a night to doubling our risk of developing Alzheimer's disease to triggering rampant inflammation, chronic stress is one of the most biologically disruptive forces in modern life.
    Michael Franco May 15, New Atlas, 15 May 2025
  • This high-moisture environment is ideal for mold and mildew, encouraging rampant growth through the affected areas and producing an unpleasant musty smell.
    Timothy Dale, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 May 2025
Adjective
  • It can't be seen with the naked eye, but a curious weather pattern in the upper level atmosphere above the continental United States is forecast to generate unsettled weather and some big temperature contrasts into the weekend.
    Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 3 May 2025
  • While, erm, pleasuring himself in the shower, a fully naked and very drunk Sean is taken aback by a familiar face who enters his bathroom.
    Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 2 May 2025
Adjective
  • The 35-year-old singer-songwriter is a bona fide music superstar in her own right, and the two offered the tristate area a rare main event concert.
    Andre Gee, Rolling Stone, 9 May 2025
  • As the show heads into its season finale — and with a fourth season already greenlit — Rodriguez sees Will Trent as a rare opportunity to blend procedural structure with emotional storytelling.
    Clayton Davis, Variety, 9 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Raw.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/raw. Accessed 20 May. 2025.

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