1
as in clumsy
hastily or roughly constructed
a survivalist living in a rough-hewn shelter in the wilderness
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in crass
lacking in refinement or good taste
a rough-hewn kid who had to learn how to behave properly in polite company
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in uncomfortable
lacking social grace and assurance
rough-hewn military cadets feeling a little self-conscious at their first formal dance
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of rough-hewn
In Maine, Graham Platner, a rough-hewn populist who had to cover up a Nazi tattoo, looks set to handily beat Janet Mills, the polished seventy-eight-year-old incumbent governor.
—
Jon Allsop,
New Yorker,
24 Apr. 2026
The couple created Boni’s as a slightly more rough-hewn and masculine version of their bespoke sister restaurant.
—
Matthew Odam,
Austin American Statesman,
4 Mar. 2026
Limón, 46, the daughter of Mexican immigrants, has a much calmer personality than many of her rough-hewn male predecessors.
—
George Skelton,
Mercury News,
21 Jan. 2026
Limón, 46, the daughter of Mexican immigrants, has a much calmer personality than many of her rough-hewn male predecessors.
—
Los Angeles Times,
19 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for rough-hewn
Jon Allsop,
New Yorker,
24 Apr. 2026
The couple created Boni’s as a slightly more rough-hewn and masculine version of their bespoke sister restaurant.
—
Matthew Odam,
Austin American Statesman,
4 Mar. 2026
Limón, 46, the daughter of Mexican immigrants, has a much calmer personality than many of her rough-hewn male predecessors.
—
George Skelton,
Mercury News,
21 Jan. 2026
Limón, 46, the daughter of Mexican immigrants, has a much calmer personality than many of her rough-hewn male predecessors.
—
Los Angeles Times,
19 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for rough-hewn
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rough-hewn
Adjective
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The historic victory, the nation’s first ever in the World Cup, was overshadowed when the midfielder injured his leg in gruesome fashion following a clumsy challenge from Qatar’s Assim Madibo.
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Better systems beat willpower as clumsy Chiron enters your 6th House of Work and Health, reminding you that mistakes teach faster than shame.
Adjective
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With the games having kicked off, the sport has shown its ineffable power to supplant crass and capitalistic overreach.
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Boys and young men have always enjoyed the crassest of humor.
Adjective
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The conclusions from these findings are both uncomfortable and freeing.
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Francisco Lindor is injured, and other guys just look uncomfortable.
Adjective
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After a couple of rough shooting nights against Minnesota and Las Vegas, the Valkyries found their groove.
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Salicylic acid works deep within pores to tackle buildup, while lactic acid smooths rough texture and refines skin’s surface, leaving skin looking clearer and feeling smoother in just a few swipes.
Adjective
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In recent years, Trae Young has repeatedly tormented the Knicks at the famed Madison Square Garden, turning clutch shots and postgame showmanship into vulgar chants from New York fans.
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This isn’t about the vulgar prices now being charged to get into the building and Celebrity Row.
Adjective
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As the nation gears up to celebrate its 250th birthday, most Americans feel uneasy about their present, and pessimistic about their future, polls show.
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Sanders takes an uneasy step, into his wonderful, painful childhood.
Adjective
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It’s widely considered rude and annoying when people cluster by the train doors if there are more people on the platform attempting to get on.
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Many of these terms were meant as insults and were – and remain today – tremendously rude, but others reflect the bewilderment of trying to categorize people who don’t fit into standard categories easily.
Adjective
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Most soils need to be amended with coarse sand or pumice for better drainage.
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Crews will experience coarse terrain, pervasive dust, and a surface unlike anything here on Earth.
Cite this Entry
“Rough-hewn.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rough-hewn. Accessed 25 Jun. 2026.
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