Definition of coarsenext
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Synonym Chooser

How is the word coarse different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of coarse are gross, obscene, ribald, and vulgar. While all these words mean "offensive to good taste or morals," coarse implies roughness, rudeness, or crudeness of spirit, behavior, or language.

found the coarse humor of coworkers offensive

When can gross be used instead of coarse?

The words gross and coarse can be used in similar contexts, but gross implies extreme coarseness and insensitiveness.

gross eating habits

When could obscene be used to replace coarse?

While the synonyms obscene and coarse are close in meaning, obscene applies to anything strongly repulsive to the sense of decency and propriety especially in sexual matters.

obscene language not allowed on the air

Where would ribald be a reasonable alternative to coarse?

The meanings of ribald and coarse largely overlap; however, ribald applies to what is amusingly or picturesquely vulgar or irreverent or mildly indecent.

entertained the campers with ribald folk songs

When might vulgar be a better fit than coarse?

The words vulgar and coarse are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, vulgar often implies boorishness or ill-breeding.

a loud vulgar belch

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 coarse Keep moisture in the soil by adding a a 3- or 4-inch-thick layer of insulating, coarse wood (NOT BARK) mulch, leaving some bare sunny spots for ground dwelling native bees. Nan Sterman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 May 2026 Cutting up large or coarse ingredients like banana peels will speed up their decomposition. Jessica Damiano, Los Angeles Times, 30 Apr. 2026 Furthermore, the comb is exquisitely crafted from durable pearwood and features a two-sided design with both a fine and a coarse toothed comb. Bestreviews, Mercury News, 29 Apr. 2026 The case eventually made it to the Supreme Court, which ruled against Lyle after deciding the coarse demeanor was a necessary part of the work environment. Jack Dunn, Variety, 28 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for coarse
Recent Examples of Synonyms for coarse
Adjective
  • The brand’s classic coats were joined by handsome bomber jackets in grained leather or suede, cocooning puffers and enveloping shearling jackets and stoles that were lined with contrasting napa for extra luxe.
    Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 2 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Glamorous on the verge of vulgar, elegant yet unrestrained, and unmistakably luxurious.
    José Criales-Unzueta, Vanity Fair, 17 May 2026
  • Aimed mainly toward men between 18 and 49 years old, hot talk mixed vulgar jokes with talk about pop culture and politics and often took political positions contrary to feminism and liberalism.
    Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 13 May 2026
Adjective
  • If this obscene gerrymander survives, the next one will purge what little remains of Democratic representation in the Legislature, where the GOP holds massive supermajorities far beyond its share of the electorate.
    Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 11 May 2026
  • He was also given a third charge involving obscene material and minors, according to jail records.
    Devoun Cetoute, Miami Herald, 9 May 2026
Adjective
  • His usually peppy voice is hoarse.
    Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 26 Apr. 2026
  • James’ reasoning had nothing to do with having a hoarse voice at the end of practice.
    Mark Medina, Forbes.com, 16 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • But the storms that lash the unpeopled coasts and jagged mountains of our Fiftieth State are no respecters of men, even the best of us.
    Ben East, Outdoor Life, 14 May 2026
  • From the beginning, the Palisades, with its Mediterranean climate and jagged coastline, lured the most adventurous of settlers, each generation reshaping it in its own image.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 13 May 2026
Adjective
  • After wildfires hit Georgia in April 2026 fueled by a rain deficit, high winds and low humidity, — among other causes, per NASA — neighboring states got slammed with poor air quality alerts.
    Ryan Brennan May 19, Kansas City Star, 19 May 2026
  • However his attitude on health care and taxes places Newsom at odds with advocates for poor Californians who would be affected and their allies in the Legislature, many of whom want a tax increase.
    Dan Walters, Mercury News, 19 May 2026
Adjective
  • This white dress outfit practically demands to be accessorized with an Aperol spritz, a pastel Vespa, and a sandy beach.
    Kelsey Stiegman, Glamour, 14 May 2026
  • The place is a sound-effects recording studio, with three sound designers creating and dubbing aural effects — footsteps on a sandy beach, flapping bird wings — onto pieces of film footage.
    Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 14 May 2026
Adjective
  • In the series adaptation, from creator, executive producer and co-showrunner Turner (Up In The Air, X-Men First Class), a ruthless and crass barbarian is cursed to only use his violence for good, which sends him, his talking axe and a young witch on a road of self discovery, redemption and revenge.
    Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 13 May 2026
  • Created by Mike Moreci and Nathan Gooden and edited by Adrian Wassel, Barbaric centers on a ruthless and crass barbarian who is cursed to only use his violence for good, which sends him, his talking axe and a young witch, on a road of self-discovery, redemption and revenge.
    Borys Kit, HollywoodReporter, 13 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Coarse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/coarse. Accessed 20 May. 2026.

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