1
as in tough
difficult to endure
harsh conditions in the refugee camp
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in loud
disagreeable to one's aesthetic or artistic sense
the harsh lighting in the cafeteria makes the food look slightly off-color
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in uncomfortable
causing discomfort
the harsh northern climate
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4
as in strict
given to exacting standards of discipline and self-restraint
a harsh judge when it comes to drug users and especially drug dealers
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5
as in painful
hard to accept or bear especially emotionally
the harsh reality of failure harsh words of criticism from her music teacher
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6
as in unpleasant
not giving pleasure to the mind or senses
winced at the harsh sound that the beginner violinist was making
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of harsh
In the midst of a rough stretch, the Yankees opted to move Jazz Chisholm Jr. back to second base and demote DJ LeMahieu to the bench, a move that solicited a harsh reaction from the veteran.
—
Peter Chawaga, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 July 2025
As a native of the South who grew up during the Jim Crow era, Wood Sr. carried a more serious tone, shaped by the harsh realities of being Black in America.
—Essence, 9 July 2025
First is this gentle Korean retinol serum, beloved by Wu that helps minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, without being overly harsh on sensitive or acne-prone skin.
—Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 9 July 2025
Come spring, the Ranger III carries everything from outhouses and diesel fuel for the generators to construction supplies to repair whatever damage Mother Nature did to facilities over the harsh winter.
—Diana Lambdin Meyer, USA Today, 28 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for harsh
Peter Chawaga, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 July 2025
As a native of the South who grew up during the Jim Crow era, Wood Sr. carried a more serious tone, shaped by the harsh realities of being Black in America.
—Essence, 9 July 2025
First is this gentle Korean retinol serum, beloved by Wu that helps minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, without being overly harsh on sensitive or acne-prone skin.
—Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 9 July 2025
Come spring, the Ranger III carries everything from outhouses and diesel fuel for the generators to construction supplies to repair whatever damage Mother Nature did to facilities over the harsh winter.
—Diana Lambdin Meyer, USA Today, 28 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for harsh
Recent Examples of Synonyms for harsh
Adjective
-
But after rookie third baseman Ronny Mauricio made an exceptionally tough double play to end a two-on, one-out threat in the bottom of the eighth, there was no way the Mets were losing.—
Abbey Mastracco,
New York Daily News,
9 July 2025
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With one out, however, Ohtani was thrown at the plate trying to score from third on Pages’ chopper up the line — making an aggressive, but proper, read in a game in which the Dodgers had long before conceded that runs would be tough to come by.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
9 July 2025
Adjective
-
To give you an idea of how loud that is, city traffic is 85 decibels, and a siren is 120 decibels.—
Leanne Potts,
Better Homes & Gardens,
5 July 2025
-
No loud colors, no mismatched chairs, even the waiters had to wear off-white.—
Nicholas Rice,
People.com,
5 July 2025
Adjective
-
But a slightly uncomfortable conversation is better than resentment.—
Eric Thomas,
Sun Sentinel,
11 July 2025
-
As the narrative has expanded into continuation and origin stories, like Dexter: New Blood and Dexter: Original Sin, Hall, 54, has returned as Dexter Morgan for even more uncomfortable experiences, while still out for blood.—
Jeff Conway,
Forbes.com,
11 July 2025
Adjective
-
Growing up in a strict Mennonite community in rural Ohio truly shaped my ethics and values.—
Vogue,
Vogue,
11 July 2025
-
That’s not the strict definition of doxxing because the post did not give Butker’s address.—
Mike Hendricks,
Kansas City Star,
11 July 2025
Adjective
-
Bernie had facial fractures, cuts and bruises around his face, and very painful muscle injuries.—
Lucy Notarantonio,
MSNBC Newsweek,
9 July 2025
-
On the Blue Devils’ flight home from San Antonio, there Scheyer was: digesting the game tape, reliving the most painful defeat he’s suffered in three seasons coaching his alma mater.—
Brendan Marks,
New York Times,
9 July 2025
Adjective
-
But many of the Blues’ outings have been unpleasant because of high temperatures and storms, and six games across the tournament have been paused for poor weather conditions, angering manager Enzo Maresca.—
Dan Bernstein,
Sportico.com,
8 July 2025
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My other wildlife standoff involved a much cuter animal, but potentially far more unpleasant.—
Ernie Cowan,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
6 July 2025
Adjective
-
Since seizing control of Afghanistan in August 2021, the group has implemented a string of oppressive measures against women and girls, even cracking down on the sound of women’s voices in public.—
Catherine Nicholls,
CNN Money,
8 July 2025
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Others reject the portrayal of federal actions as oppressive, suggesting deployments like those in Los Angeles prioritize national security and immigration enforcement.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
4 July 2025
Adjective
-
Confirmation bias rears its ugly head, and the person convinces themselves that AI sentience is at hand.—
Lance Eliot,
Forbes.com,
10 July 2025
-
And by sharing the ugly parts, she's made golf feel more human.—
Devlina Sarkar,
MSNBC Newsweek,
10 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Harsh.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/harsh. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.
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