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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective rugged contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of rugged are harsh, rough, scabrous, and uneven. While all these words mean "not smooth or even," rugged implies irregularity or roughness of land surface and connotes difficulty of travel.

a rugged landscape

When would harsh be a good substitute for rugged?

The meanings of harsh and rugged largely overlap; however, harsh implies a surface or texture distinctly unpleasant to the touch.

a harsh fabric that chafes the skin

When might rough be a better fit than rugged?

The words rough and rugged are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, rough implies points, bristles, ridges, or projections on the surface.

a rough wooden board

When can scabrous be used instead of rugged?

The synonyms scabrous and rugged are sometimes interchangeable, but scabrous implies scaliness or prickliness of surface.

a scabrous leaf

When is it sensible to use uneven instead of rugged?

While the synonyms uneven and rugged are close in meaning, uneven implies a lack of uniformity in height, breadth, or quality.

an old house with uneven floors

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 rugged Accessing the fire in the remote, rugged area has presented a challenge. Karen Kucher, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 June 2025 Its rugged, waterproof build is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts, while add-on lenses enhance versatility for content creators. Shubham Yewale, PC Magazine, 17 June 2025 While the helicopter arrivals christened with champagne and oysters are a far cry from the chalet’s humble mountain hut beginnings, the legacy of rugged adventure remains. Chloe Berge, Outside Online, 17 June 2025 The unexpected combination of rugged Western elements with sleek swimwear created a striking contrast that resonated with the fashion-forward crowd. Cassell Ferere, Forbes.com, 7 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for rugged
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rugged
Adjective
  • The tune, a collaboration with Bruno Mars — whose presence surely helped the cut not only become a high-rising win but also a sturdy one — has now spent 34 weeks on the competitive tally.
    Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025
  • The bottom shelf has that classic handwoven top that is sturdy enough for a stack of small library books or a basket of your favorite magazines.
    Lauren Thomann, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 June 2025
Adjective
  • In Mind For startups, achieving more with less can be tough.
    John Hall, Forbes.com, 15 June 2025
  • The vote took place against an increasingly violent backlash to the Trump administration's tough immigration policies.
    Adeola Adeosun, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 June 2025
Adjective
  • Eric Bauman, a gruff and tireless political operative who led two of California’s most powerful Democratic organizations before resigning amid misconduct allegations, died Monday.
    Laura J. Nelson, Los Angeles Times, 18 June 2025
  • Cross-examination from the defense’s gruff Xavier Donaldson will continue first thing Tuesday when the trial picks up again.
    Dominic Patten, Deadline, 12 May 2025
Adjective
  • Maintaining optimal levels can help with cognitive and muscular function, as well as hydration levels and fatigue.
    Morgan Fargo, Vogue, 4 June 2025
  • In this muscular but graceful performance, Torres shows us what resistance truly means.
    Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 4 June 2025
Adjective
  • While icebergs and rocky shorelines dominate the Antarctic coastline that cruise ships navigate, the heart of the continent is another world, one of shimmering blue ice tunnels and crevasses, jagged mountain peaks, and vast moonscapes.
    Chloe Berge, Outside Online, 17 June 2025
  • Sandwiched between the ocean and the Oregon Coast Range, U.S. Route 101 traces the state’s entire coastline, with wide beaches and jagged sea stacks on one side of the road and thickets of evergreen forest on the other.
    Chloe Arrojado, AFAR Media, 17 June 2025
Adjective
  • This moderately difficult, half-mile trail through the Mission Hills Open Space, is located across from Pioneer Park.
    Maura Fox, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 June 2025
  • Following the loss of their family home, the couple was surrounded by the love and support of friends and family who stepped up to help them during this difficult time.
    Clea Haran, Parents, 23 June 2025
Adjective
  • The capsizing was believed to have been caused by turbulent waters from heavy recent rains.
    Democrat-Gazette Staff From Wire Reports, Arkansas Online, 13 June 2025
  • In these turbulent times learning how to manage disputes is a must.
    Harvard Business Review, Harvard Business Review, 12 June 2025
Adjective
  • But beyond the crass remarks about Read, experts say less explosive messages about Proctor's early opinions of the investigation could be damning.
    Julia Bonavita , Michael Ruiz, FOXNews.com, 3 June 2025
  • What keeps these series from coming off as crass is the genuine camaraderie that connects their characters and shelters them, to some extent, from the precariousness of their lives.
    Judy Berman, Time, 22 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Rugged.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rugged. Accessed 27 Jun. 2025.

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