ROUGH-EDGED Synonyms: 49 Similar and Opposite Words

rough-edged

adjective

Definition of rough-edged

as in unpolished

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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 rough-edged Andor is charming and rough-edged, a solo space cowboy accustomed to hustling his own way. — Kyle Chayka, New Yorker, 21 May 2025 Here we are faced with an aesthetic that is indeed poetic, but also austere; contemplative, yet analytical, critical—at times even rough-edged. — Alessia Glaviano, Vogue, 14 May 2025 One of the things Sean Baker does exceptionally well is draw us into a vivid and highly specific milieu, nurturing our affections for characters who are rough-edged, to put it mildly, and then whip up a vortex of steadily escalating chaos. — David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 21 May 2024 Foster’s version of Sarah was more defiant and rough-edged than the producers and the director, Jonathan Kaplan, wanted. — Jordan Kisner, The Atlantic, 18 Feb. 2024

Recent Examples of Synonyms for rough-edged

Adjective

The debut campaign captures the essence of Bell by switching between chic, elevated vignettes and unpolished moments about her own daily life.

— Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 19 Aug. 2026
Miami’s spent two years investing in the unpolished pass rusher, with mixed views, and the hope is that the playing time, and all the mentoring Robinson received the past two seasons begins to pay off in 2026.

— Omar Kelly August 6, Miami Herald, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of unpolished

Adjective

People had used rude words on television before, but never in such uncouth tones as Lydon and Jones in a regional ITV interview on 1 December 1976.

— The Week UK, TheWeek, 23 Aug. 2026
His gruff mechanic Cooter Davenport is introduced as a hell-raising, uncouth wild man, constantly taunting the authorities and flouting convention.

— Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 10 Aug. 2026

Definition of uncouth

Adjective

Nutritionists generally note that the amount of trace minerals consumed in a pinch of any salt is small, so unrefined salts should not be viewed as a substitute for a mineral-rich diet.

— Connie Etemadi, USA Today, 14 Aug. 2026
Such tools helped the New York Yankees make stars out of two unrefined college players, right-hander Cam Schlittler, a seventh-rounder out of Northeastern, and first baseman Ben Rice, a 12th-rounder out of Dartmouth.

— Ken Rosenthal, New York Times, 24 June 2026

Definition of unrefined

Adjective

The problem is that this group is mostly comprised of uncultured idiots, so Shai and Georgia are the only people who know what Rocky Horror is.

— Tom Smyth, Vulture, 16 July 2026
In certain circles, identifying with the city is shorthand for being uncultured and self-obsessed, even soulless.

— Ella Berman August 7, Literary Hub, 7 Aug. 2025

Definition of uncultured

Adjective

Clearly influenced by Berger, Yoon develops the idea London introduced with only rough-hewn melodrama over a century before, that a precocious enough dog might offer a unique window onto human character.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 5 Aug. 2026
The rustic interior has plenty of simple, rough-hewn wooden furniture, which allows beautiful plates of pintxos and tapas to shine brightly.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 June 2026

Definition of rough-hewn

Adjective

From blazing stars and diminutive buttercups to uncultivated roses and sunflowers, the Midwest is blessed with many gorgeous native wildflowers.

— Erika Ebsworth-Goold, Midwest Living, 20 Apr. 2026
Down these uncultivated paths, Horace’s Lydia, Tibullus’s Delia, and Ovid’s Corinna had passed, but only Virgil’s Philomela remained.

— Sean Williams, Harpers Magazine, 27 Jan. 2026

Definition of uncultivated

Adjective

Fright fans get the 13th season of American Horror Story, and there's plenty of comedy and trashy reality TV as well.

— K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 26 Aug. 2026
The Cramps’ early lineup featured two guitarists — Ivy and the wraithlike Bryan Gregory — and no bassist, which made their trebly sound even tinnier and trashier.

— Jem Aswad, Variety, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of trashy

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roughed

rough-edged

roughed it

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“Rough-edged.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rough-edged. Accessed 30 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of rough-edged

adjective

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