raw

Definition of rawnext
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

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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 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 This, then, was Oasis in the raw, a throwback to their unstoppable ascent in much smaller venues than this rather than the enormo-dome gigs of their latter years. Mark Sutherland, Variety, 4 July 2025 Lina is played by the ghoulishly-great Betty Gilpin, who does in her craft what real-life Lina does in her soul—glitter in the raw. Denise Petski, Deadline, 4 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for raw
Recent Examples of Synonyms for raw
Noun
  • Sam Levinson wasn't originally planning on including nudity for Sydney Sweeney's character in the third season of Euphoria.
    Meg Walters, InStyle, 1 June 2026
  • Penland would eventually flag eighty out of the script’s hundred and twenty pages for material that alarmed him, ranging from nudity to events in the film that are not in the Gospels.
    Isaac Butler, New Yorker, 30 May 2026
Noun
  • Both manage to grow up and leave their limited Indiana environs and both develop as artists (the drawings of nudes Cricket specializes in are Eggers’ work).
    Bethanne Patrick, Los Angeles Times, 1 June 2026
  • Fake nudes of the singer have spread widely online.
    Daryl Lim, Fortune, 30 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Raw.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/raw. Accessed 10 Jun. 2026.

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