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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5
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
His newest offering, a book of essays titled Inspiration Porn, out now, is his rawest, funniest work yet. Benjamin Vanhoose, PEOPLE, 5 June 2026 The injury — raw, oozing, angry — had turned our lives upside down, but it was rendered invisible in the institutional review. Nisha Narayanan, STAT, 5 June 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 raw food diet emphasizes eating uncooked and minimally processed foods.
    Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 10 June 2026
  • Cooked and uncooked shellfish — including their juices — should be kept separate to avoid contamination.
    Vanessa Etienne, PEOPLE, 1 June 2026
Adjective
  • Explore historic landmarks, cultural sites and natural wonders across the South that define the American story.
    USA TODAY Network, USA Today, 10 June 2026
  • Leaving porch lights on overnight can also have potential negative impacts on nature, confusing them and disrupting their natural behaviors, Harshbarger says.
    Kate McKenna, The Spruce, 9 June 2026
Adjective
  • In the end, an inexperienced minor – who has no idea who hired them – pulls the trigger.
    ABC News, ABC News, 12 June 2026
  • Niemeyer found that random killing also creates chaos by replacing older coyotes that have learned the dangers of depredating livestock with younger, inexperienced coyotes that do depredate.
    Ted Williams, Denver Post, 12 June 2026
Adjective
  • Getty Images The Philadelphia Phillies have spent the last several weeks playing like a club determined to erase the disappointment of a turbulent first half.
    Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 6 June 2026
  • As the investigation progresses in this four-part docuseries, Stephen reveals the turbulent family dynamics that shaped his childhood, including his father Ron — a violent Vietnam War vet grappling with PTSD — and his mother, Margie, who divorced Ron in the '90s.
    James Mercadante, Entertainment Weekly, 4 June 2026
Adjective
  • Add crushed ice about halfway up and give a brief stir or swizzle, five to eight seconds, to begin the chilling process.
    Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 6 June 2026
  • The attack comes as the NYPD investigates a troubling string of chilling assaults against older New Yorkers.
    Thomas Tracy, New York Daily News, 5 June 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
  • The report fueled rampant speculation as fans scrambled to scrutinized the duo's interactions in interviews and on the red carpet.
    Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 10 June 2026
  • Lawmakers had previously given state health officials the authority to conduct visits to the facility, and the Adams County Health Department launched an investigation into the facility earlier this year after immigrant advocates alleged that gastrointestinal illness was rampant.
    Seth Klamann, Denver Post, 9 June 2026
Adjective
  • Upon entering a second-floor bedroom, police found Christine naked except for her socks, bleeding from fatal stab wounds to the neck.
    Alyssa Modos, PEOPLE, 9 June 2026
  • John Quincy Adams was fit enough to take daily naked swims in the Potomac River while in office.
    Will Weissert, Fortune, 9 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Raw.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/raw. Accessed 13 Jun. 2026.

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