1
as in clumsy
hastily or roughly constructed
a survivalist living in a rough-hewn shelter in the wilderness
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
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
Over the years, Butler has become proficient at playing exceptional Average Joes: rough-hewn, relatable Everymen thrust into extraordinary circumstances that require dramatic feats of skill and bravery.
—Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 16 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
Here, a twig fence and rough-hewn steps lend structure to a path while looking at one with the lush landscape.
2.
—Miranda Crowell, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for rough-hewn
Miles Corwin, Smithsonian Magazine, 23 June 2025
Over the years, Butler has become proficient at playing exceptional Average Joes: rough-hewn, relatable Everymen thrust into extraordinary circumstances that require dramatic feats of skill and bravery.
—Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 16 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
Here, a twig fence and rough-hewn steps lend structure to a path while looking at one with the lush landscape.
2.
—Miranda Crowell, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for rough-hewn
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rough-hewn
Adjective
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Chris and Emilia’s conversation is suddenly interrupted by a premature explosion, which was caused by a clumsy member of a militia group called the Sons of Liberty.—
Scott Meslow,
Vulture,
5 Sep. 2025
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Tiny, slow and clumsy — these hatchlings are an easy snack for predators.—
Diaa Hadid,
NPR,
5 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Edwards, along with protesting comrade Tom Hopper (Raife Hastings) and crass CIA contractor Jules Landry (Luke Hemsworth) join a secret CIA unit fighting terrorism in Europe.—
Bryan Alexander,
USA Today,
28 Aug. 2025
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Liverpool fans know how hurtful crass chants can be.—
Simon Hughes,
New York Times,
19 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
The father said the priest asked about masturbation and pornography, and that his son was uncomfortable and reported it immediately after leaving church.—
Laura Schulte,
jsonline.com,
4 Sep. 2025
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The content is absurd, borderline uncomfortable and consistently viral.—
Leeron Walter,
Forbes.com,
3 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Homers reheat Royals’ cold offense The Royals’ offense has hit another rough patch.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
5 Sep. 2025
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Additionally, avoid using any pads or scrubbers with a rough surface that could damage the cabinet finish.—
Heather Bien,
Southern Living,
5 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
The book is filled with vulgar pictures, with many faces blacked out, and messages both handwritten and typed from well-wishers for Epstein’s 50th birthday.—
Joey Garrison,
USA Today,
9 Sep. 2025
-
The biopic is the vulgar but necessary tribute inherently populist cinema pays to more traditional, higher-brow art.—
Leslie Felperin,
HollywoodReporter,
8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
And that helped to resolve that weird uneasy tension in my head.—
Maria Reva
September 3,
Literary Hub,
3 Sep. 2025
-
The safe-haven asset offers investors a hedge against an uneasy financial environment as a sharp hiring slowdown coincides with a steady uptick of inflation, according to analysts.—
Max Zahn,
ABC News,
2 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Trump is mentioned again on Page 156 of the birthday book document in a photo and a handwritten caption with a crude joke allegedly penned by Joel Pashcow, who the Wall Street Journal reports is a long-time Mar-a-Lago member.—
Siladitya Ray,
Forbes.com,
9 Sep. 2025
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The data also shows that the Reliance refinery gets nearly half its crude oil from Russia.—
Omkar Khandekar,
NPR,
8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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In interviews, Candy, who struggled with his weight for much of his life, had to deal with the press making rude comments about his size.—
Brent Lang,
Variety,
4 Sep. 2025
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This question becomes thornier once Dorotea visits Rocca in prison, finding her rude and abrasive though not irrational.—
David Rooney,
HollywoodReporter,
27 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Rough-hewn.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rough-hewn. Accessed 12 Sep. 2025.
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