1
as in sturdy
able to withstand hardship, strain, or exposure
a rugged construction that survived for hundreds of years
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2
as in tough
difficult to endure
the incredibly rugged conditions that the polar explorers faced
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3
as in gruff
harsh and threatening in manner or appearance
the warrior's rugged features frightened the child
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4
as in muscular
having muscles capable of exerting great physical force
a rugged athlete who's competing in weight lifting in the Olympics
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5
as in jagged
not having a level or smooth surface
rugged terrain that made for slow going
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6
as in difficult
requiring considerable physical or mental effort
even more rugged than most ultramarathons, this one crosses a desert
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7
as in turbulent
marked by turmoil or disturbance especially of natural elements
New Hampshire's Mount Washington has some of the ruggedest weather in all of North America
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8
as in crass
lacking in refinement or good taste
the kind of rugged humor that men have traditionally enjoyed at stag parties
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Example Sentences
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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
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
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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
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Built with a sturdy steel frame and wrapped in durable rattan, it’s designed to handle the elements—from blazing heat to sudden downpours.—
Alexandra Emanuelli,
Southern Living,
17 June 2025
Adjective
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Even these young players already have major tournament experience — a huge strength given their tough group.—
Megan Feringa,
New York Times,
28 June 2025
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However, generally speaking, insoluble fiber is commonly found in whole grains, bran, legumes, nuts, seeds, produce skins, and tough vegetables and fruits.—
Mara Santilli,
SELF,
27 June 2025
Adjective
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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
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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
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Leading clinicians are combining pharmacologic tools with root-cause strategies, starting with metabolic health, hormone balance, nervous system regulation and muscular integrity.—
Ximena Araya-Fischel,
Forbes.com,
26 June 2025
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Johnson, who gained fame for his muscular physique and controversial raw meat diet, was charged with making terroristic threats, a Class B misdemeanor.—
Doc Louallen,
ABC News,
25 June 2025
Adjective
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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
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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
Adjective
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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
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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
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Reina, Fil-Am team center back, brings us on this turbulent journey, culminating in an intimate trip to her grandmother’s hometown in the Philippines.—
Matthew Carey,
Deadline,
25 June 2025
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Even Zelensky – who has had a turbulent relationship with Trump – came away with wins.—
Joseph Ataman,
CNN Money,
25 June 2025
Adjective
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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
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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
Cite this Entry
“Rugged.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rugged. Accessed 1 Jul. 2025.
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