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

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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
But traditional gaming laptops remain the safer bet for raw performance, broad compatibility, and probably price, too. New Atlas, 19 June 2026 So, if raw oysters with limoncello sorbet are not your thing, there are options for more conventional tastes like burgers. Simon Davidson, Travel + Leisure, 19 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
  • One of the simplest ways, Crum said, is embracing the stress and then utilizing the body’s natural response.
    Rustin Dodd, New York Times, 17 June 2026
  • Reflective finishes, whether incorporated through furniture details, lighting, or accessories, help amplify both natural and artificial light, while adding visual depth.
    Angelika Pokovba, Martha Stewart, 16 June 2026
Adjective
  • At $18 or even $15 per hour, many companies don’t see value in hiring inexperienced teens who require extensive training to interact with customers, let alone achieve some measure of productivity.
    Ryan Craig, Forbes.com, 19 June 2026
  • Lagway’s depature after 19 starts leaves the Gators to choose between two talented, yet inexperienced options with just one combined start — by Philo against Gardner-Webb in 2025.
    Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 June 2026
Adjective
  • For SpaceX, the road was highly turbulent before the fourth Falcon 1 launch successfully reached orbit.
    Julian Hayes II, Forbes.com, 20 June 2026
  • Stocks closed out a turbulent week on a positive note, but a couple of winning names could soon see a decline.
    Lisa Kailai Han, CNBC, 19 June 2026
Adjective
  • Some human rights experts have said that detaining such a high-ranking and high-profile doctor has left a chilling effect.
    Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 20 June 2026
  • The commemoration this year highlights a trend toward a chilling erasure of history, culture and achievements of African-Americans.
    Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 19 June 2026
Adjective
  • So Google isn’t trying to release more biting mosquitoes into neighborhoods.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 12 June 2026
  • 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
Adjective
  • Rossi, who was not involved with the research, said sunscreen causing vitamin D deficiency is a narrative that has been rampant on social media.
    Lily Alvino, NBC news, 18 June 2026
  • Given reports of rampant hacking in crypto, BitGo’s small innovation has attracted a tidal wave of business over the last decade as more and more institutions have taken an interest in digital assets.
    Nina Bambysheva, Forbes.com, 18 June 2026
Adjective
  • According to prosecutors, who cited testimony and evidence at McCue's trial, the children allegedly suffered severe beatings and were forced to wear shock collars and stand naked on cinder blocks for hours or sometimes days at a time.
    Christine Pelisek, PEOPLE, 16 June 2026
  • Charges state Le Saint at one time sent the girl a photo to show his child playing with a toy, but in the picture, his fully naked reflection could be seen in a mirror.
    WCCO Staff, CBS News, 16 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Raw.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/raw. Accessed 22 Jun. 2026.

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