1
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in inexperienced
lacking in adult experience or maturity
recruiters like to say the military turns raw youths into responsible men and women
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in turbulent
marked by wet and windy conditions
the day of the funeral turned out to be one of those bleak, blustery, raw winter days that was as gloomy as our spirits
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in chilling
uncomfortably cool
evenings in those mountains, even during the summer, tend to be a little raw
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
7
as in rampant
showing no signs of being under control
a frightening display of raw anger
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
8
as in naked
lacking or shed of clothing
a pristine stretch of sand where beachgoers commonly sunbathe raw
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
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
CBS News, 7 Feb. 2026
This low-and-slow process of nuclear fusion in the lowest mass stars ensures that 100% of the raw hydrogen inside of them will eventually burn, fusing to completion.
—Big Think, 6 Feb. 2026
Marley Dewey, The Conversation, 16 May 2025
These ones turn out amazing—topped with sugar in the raw.
—Bon Appétit Contributor, Bon Appétit, 22 Mar. 2024
See All Example Sentences for raw
Adjective
Eating even a small amount can be fatal, and experts warn that a mushroom's color is not a reliable way of detecting its toxicity, and whether the death cap variety is raw, dried or cooked does not make a difference.
—CBS News, 7 Feb. 2026
This low-and-slow process of nuclear fusion in the lowest mass stars ensures that 100% of the raw hydrogen inside of them will eventually burn, fusing to completion.
—Big Think, 6 Feb. 2026
Noun
If ingested raw, pathogens may remain on the surface of the placenta.
—Marley Dewey, The Conversation, 16 May 2025
These ones turn out amazing—topped with sugar in the raw.
—Bon Appétit Contributor, Bon Appétit, 22 Mar. 2024
See All Example Sentences for raw
Recent Examples of Synonyms for raw
Adjective
-
Researchers warn that bamboo shoots should never be eaten uncooked.—
Andrea Margolis,
FOXNews.com,
24 Jan. 2026
-
Rinsing the uncooked rice under cold water removes the excess surface starch and ensures that your rice cooks up fluffy, not gummy.—
Robin Miller,
AZCentral.com,
15 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
The most common complaints include denying legitimate claims, partnering with inexperienced and unqualified service providers, poor service, and slow response times.—
Sharon Brandwein,
USA Today,
6 Feb. 2026
-
Had training standards slipped, pushing relatively inexperienced ski patrollers into dangerous situations?—
Jaclyn Cosgrove,
Los Angeles Times,
5 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Hadder’s own journey from that Tuscaloosa parking lot was turbulent.—
Rob Picheta,
CNN Money,
7 Feb. 2026
-
The Giants are navigating a turbulent time, starting with co-owner Steve Tisch’s prominent appearance in the Epstein Files.—
Pat Leonard,
New York Daily News,
5 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
But even without an arrest, First Amendment advocates say the law has a chilling effect.—
Shira Moolten,
Sun Sentinel,
6 Feb. 2026
-
As part of the package, the White House is seeking to codify a dangerous government price control precedent into law that will have a chilling effect on medical innovation and patient choice.—
Washington Post,
Washington Post,
3 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
The Chill Factor Perhaps the most biting statistic of the season so far is the temperature.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
27 Jan. 2026
-
Morbidly Jewish finds Raanan at his most biting, acerbic, angry, Jewish, and, as always…loud.—
Matt Grobar,
Deadline,
5 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Croatia dropped the kuna in 2023, and the change was met with widespread stories about rampant inflation — perhaps explaining other countries’ reluctance — although the European Central Bank said that price rises continued on existing trends.—
Tom Chivers,
semafor.com,
5 Feb. 2026
-
During Operation Midway Blitz last fall, unprovoked violence by CBP and ICE was rampant — and often captured on video.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
5 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
The model posed in her own 2026 version of Carrie Bradshaw’s naked dress, which featured the same scoop neckline, thigh-grazing length, and minimalist spaghetti straps that the Sex and the City heroine memorably wore for her first date with Big.—
Lara Walsh,
InStyle,
10 Feb. 2026
-
Her body wasn’t found for more than two weeks when fishermen discovered a naked woman in the river 4 miles downstream from where she was last seen.—
Kevin Fixler,
Idaho Statesman,
10 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
In the only in-depth interview she’s ever given, Censori is finally speaking—about all that nudity, about her childhood and her early career, about her husband’s mental health and apparent antisemitism, and about who, exactly, is in control of her life.—
Anna Peele,
Vanity Fair,
6 Feb. 2026
-
The modern Western culture around nudity really teaches you shame about something that is so human and natural and innocent.—
Nicola Dall'Asen,
Allure,
5 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Raw.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/raw. Accessed 12 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
