raw 1 of 2

Definition of rawnext
1
as in uncooked
not cooked you should wash your hands after handling raw chicken

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

3
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6
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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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raw

2 of 2

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
The three years of maturation soften the raw cane character while preserving a bright, youthful profile. Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 16 May 2026 Partly correct on raw land use — but misleading in practice. James Ward, USA Today, 15 May 2026
Noun
They can even be blanched or used raw in salads. Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 13 Jan. 2026 Once the nuts are washed, dried, de-husked and de-shelled, they can either be cooked or prepared raw. Jenna Prestininzi, Freep.com, 9 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for raw
Recent Examples of Synonyms for raw
Adjective
  • The yogurt softens the uncooked oats, giving them a more pleasant texture and mellowing any chalkiness.
    Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 12 May 2026
  • Lift edges of egg and let uncooked portion flow underneath.
    Lizzy Briskin, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Another risk is infection from non-sterile equipment, which might happen if the procedure is done by inexperienced technicians or in non-medical settings, Hazan says.
    Erica Sweeney, Time, 11 May 2026
  • The other strong selling point is that the inexperienced videographer doesn't have to fiddle with a load of settings before recording.
    David Szondy May 09, New Atlas, 9 May 2026
Adjective
  • Inside, another naked woman on a Jet Ski does circles in a turbulent body of water.
    Sebastian Smee, The Atlantic, 16 May 2026
  • The shift has direct market implications, Dalio said, as investors must navigate a turbulent period where currency values face risk and uncertainty demands liquidity and diversification including gold.
    David Westin, Fortune, 16 May 2026
Adjective
  • As Nikki transforms from an ordinary young woman into an unhinged force willing to do anything to keep Bear to herself, Navarrette delivers a seamless and chilling performance that has quickly positioned her as one of horror’s most exciting new talents.
    Lexi Carson, HollywoodReporter, 16 May 2026
  • There’s probably a smart, chilling film to be made about the terrors of smothering and relentless adoration — one imagines what Rod Serling would have done with something like this — but this isn’t really that film.
    Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 15 May 2026
Adjective
  • Netflix’s big comedy bet might be the Dan Levy–Rachel Sennott co-creation Big Mistakes; the biting, farcical series about adult siblings who get caught up in the drug business plays like Weeds crossed with The Other Two.
    Joe Reid, Vulture, 2 May 2026
  • The tracks are more vulnerable, biting, and self-aware than ever, and in some cases, feature lyrics pulled right out of Hjelt’s diary.
    Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 24 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Even before auditions started, there’s been rampant speculation about who might wield Bond’s Walther PPK, with everyone from Jacob Elordi to Callum Turner and Aaron Taylor-Johnson rumored to be in contention for the role.
    Brent Lang, Variety, 14 May 2026
  • Dalila Santiago, a close friend and leader in López’s movement, said after rampant impunity in Honduras, Fúnez’s detention came as a shock.
    Marlon González, Los Angeles Times, 13 May 2026
Adjective
  • Unlike fine particulate matter, ozone pollution is not visible to the naked eye, but scientists can detect it in the ultraviolet spectrum.
    Joanna Thompson, Space.com, 12 May 2026
  • The crescent moon will be visible to the naked eye, but binoculars can make the delicate curve of the lunar crescent and nearby Saturn much easier to spot at twilight.
    Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 11 May 2026
Noun
  • In other corners, opinions ran hot about rampant nudity in the Austrian Pavilion.
    Sebastian Smee, The Atlantic, 16 May 2026
  • To fully embody her OnlyFans persona, an earthside alien named The Hungry Ghost, who offers mild nudity and harsh criticism of her willing subscribers’ genitalia.
    Alli Rosenbloom, CNN Money, 14 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Raw.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/raw. Accessed 18 May. 2026.

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