1
as in clumsy
hastily or roughly constructed
a survivalist living in a rough-hewn shelter in the wilderness
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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
By my front door there is a rough-hewn statue of St. Francis made from a tree stump.
—
Judy Knotts, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
The Belgian master of minimalism and wabi-sabi forever changed the design of sofas, and his way with rough-hewn wood furniture and beams, pale linen, an earthy palette, and a masterful blending of East and West and antique and contemporary are now canonized among professionals.
—Amy Astley, Architectural Digest, 25 June 2025
When doused with water, the leather shrank, and the feathers expanded, and this rough-hewn ball would have flown well for the day, enabling golfers to make truer shots.
—Miles Corwin, Smithsonian Magazine, 23 June 2025
Rodney Atkins kicks off the 52nd CMA Fest's final evening
Knoxville native Rodney Atkins' rough-hewn country vocal performances kicked off the final evening of the 52nd CMA Fest at Nissan Stadium.
—Bryan West, The Tennessean, 30 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for rough-hewn
Judy Knotts, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
The Belgian master of minimalism and wabi-sabi forever changed the design of sofas, and his way with rough-hewn wood furniture and beams, pale linen, an earthy palette, and a masterful blending of East and West and antique and contemporary are now canonized among professionals.
—Amy Astley, Architectural Digest, 25 June 2025
When doused with water, the leather shrank, and the feathers expanded, and this rough-hewn ball would have flown well for the day, enabling golfers to make truer shots.
—Miles Corwin, Smithsonian Magazine, 23 June 2025
Rodney Atkins kicks off the 52nd CMA Fest's final evening
Knoxville native Rodney Atkins' rough-hewn country vocal performances kicked off the final evening of the 52nd CMA Fest at Nissan Stadium.
—Bryan West, The Tennessean, 30 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for rough-hewn
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rough-hewn
Adjective
-
Maggie is a snoop—and a clumsy one.—
Justin Chang,
New Yorker,
3 Oct. 2025
-
But the character’s state of servitude is largely hidden in clumsy blocking.—
Frank Rizzo,
Variety,
29 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Each project presented at MIA is picked with a genuine desire for these works to come to the fore, not by crass commercial considerations.—
Nick Vivarelli,
Variety,
30 Sep. 2025
-
Free speech covers the jokes, the satire, the parodies—even the dumb, crass, or offensive ones.—
Lizz Winstead,
Time,
27 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
This is an uncomfortable reality, butting up against every idea of American exceptionalism.—
Hugh Kellenberger,
New York Times,
2 Oct. 2025
-
The woman described being shocked and feeling uncomfortable.—
Alex Brizee,
Idaho Statesman,
2 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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So the idea of him playing someone who’s a little rougher and grittier and just completely relentless appealed to him.—
Brian Davids,
HollywoodReporter,
3 Oct. 2025
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This medium-sized toad has large reddish-brown eyes and a rough skin texture.—
Real-Time News team,
Miami Herald,
3 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Colorado has condemned a vulgar chant its fans directed at BYU during its football team’s 24-21 loss Saturday at Folsom Field.—
David Ubben,
New York Times,
29 Sep. 2025
-
Protecting speech for all requires great tolerance for the vulgar, rude, offensive, angry, mean and, yes, even hateful.—
The Detroit News Editorial Board,
Twin Cities,
24 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Still, when her mom asks if Paul and his kids can come on the birthday trip, the woman feels uneasy.—
Ashley Vega,
PEOPLE,
1 Oct. 2025
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The loss of data arrived during an uneasy period for policymakers.—
Max Zahn,
ABC News,
1 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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The El Segundo refinery, built in 1911, processes 276,000 barrels of crude oil daily, the company said on its website.—
Hanna Park,
CNN Money,
3 Oct. 2025
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The El Segundo oil refinery is capable of refining 290,000 barrels of crude oil per day, Chevron says on its website, and its primary products are gasoline, jet and diesel.—
Sam Meredith,
CNBC,
3 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Your neighbors may even call you rude.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
30 Sep. 2025
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Crowd in New York has been bordered on rude; embarrassing!—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
28 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Rough-hewn.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rough-hewn. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.
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