raw 1 of 2

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
4
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

7
8

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
As the retrospective nears, Jean reflects on her body of work: equally raw, visceral performances that chart the fault lines of her life, culminating in Photo Booth – her most intimate piece yet, rooted in childhood trauma and her estranged, alcoholic mother, Eileen. Zac Ntim, Deadline, 1 May 2025 The song serves as a brutally humorous and raw meditation on their skyrocketing success, grappling with the absurd pressure of becoming icons seemingly overnight. Isabela Raygoza, Billboard, 30 Apr. 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
  • The Food and Drug Administration in January warned manufacturers using uncooked meat to reassess their food safety plans in light of the recent cat illnesses and deaths.
    Aria Bendix, NBC news, 30 Mar. 2025
  • Tips include: Avoid eating uncooked or undercooked food.
    Saleen Martin, USA TODAY, 25 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Gas prices, however, are now generally higher than when Trump took office on January 20, when the national average was $3.125, according to AAA data—despite the price of crude oil plunging after his tariff announcements.
    Giulia Carbonaro, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 May 2025
  • After water, in some fields the engineers turn to injecting steam, which further softens up stubborn crude oil.
    Christopher Helman, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Which brings me to another important lesson from turbulent times: market timing (still) does not work.
    Jill Schlesinger, Mercury News, 28 Apr. 2025
  • That might be the ultimate takeaway for leaders navigating turbulent times.
    Karl Moore, Forbes.com, 28 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Inevitably, this detention will have a severe chilling effect on peoples' willingness to come to court on all matters of disputes, both civil and criminal.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Apr. 2025
  • While some lawmakers, such as EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, have publicly denied any targeting, the concern alone is having a chilling effect across the field.
    Natalie Madeira Cofield, Forbes.com, 22 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The word itself began life as a British colonial term, probably a corruption of kutu, a Malay word for lice and other biting insects.
    Bruce Handy, The Atlantic, 16 Apr. 2025
  • But the two-hour, 40-minute script by Jennifer Crittenden and Gabrielle Allan is smart, biting, playful and swift-paced.
    Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Of course, there has also been rampant speculation that Styles could be the latest marquee WWE star to jump ship to AEW.
    Blake Oestriecher, Forbes.com, 21 Apr. 2025
  • Obviously the rampant physical comedy benefits from a lot of special effects and stunts.
    Chris Willman, Variety, 19 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The moon and Venus will be fairly easy to see with the naked eye, but the dimness of Saturn may post a challenge for some.
    Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 25 Apr. 2025
  • The eggs appear like tiny bits of dirt to the naked eye and are about half a millimeter in size.
    Caelyn Pender, Mercury News, 25 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Ava has severe cognitive impairment and a rare form of epilepsy.
    Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 28 Apr. 2025
  • The floors were constructed with longleaf pine, rare timber harvested from virgin forests that once flourished in East Texas.
    Hollace Ava Weiner, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Apr. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Raw.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/raw. Accessed 5 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on raw

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!