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
  • Such a fund holds derivatives tied to the prices of a basket of physical assets—crude oil, natural gas, precious metals, base metals, grains, livestock.
    William Baldwin, Forbes.com, 24 May 2025
  • Subscribe The core inflation is expected to ease in the coming months due to lower crude oil prices and the yen’s appreciation, said Masato Koike, economist at Sompo Institute Plus.
    Anniek Bao, CNBC, 22 May 2025
Adjective
  • These steps prevent, rather than heal, costly losses that weaken a company’s cash position, especially in turbulent times.
    Dean Kaplan, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025
  • This time, there’s still some uneasiness around the organization, mainly rooted in its turbulent recent past.
    James L. Edwards III, New York Times, 22 May 2025
Adjective
  • The feared chilling effect on consumption, if any, would be limited to imports.
    Robert Goulder, Forbes.com, 19 May 2025
  • In their Tuesday ruling, Eleventh Circuit Judges Robin Rosenbaum and Nancy Abudu agreed with the lower court’s findings that the ban was unconstitutionally vague and created a chilling effect on free speech.
    Samantha Riedel, Them., 15 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
  • The combo of the two can be difficult to take in with the naked eye.
    Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 17 May 2025
  • Her Victoria Beckham look was the perfect subtle nod to naked dressing: Gerber wore a boxy blazer and mini dress with a pair of sheer thigh-level stockings.
    Christian Allaire, Vogue, 15 May 2025
Adjective
  • Zaslav sidesteps the rare direct questions on pay, like at a NYC Dealbook Summit in the fall of 2023.
    Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 21 May 2025
  • Trade shows, in particular, are one of the rare arenas where the playing field is level.
    Sanjay Ghare, Forbes.com, 21 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Raw.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/raw. Accessed 29 May. 2025.

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