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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 Washington reds once had a reputation for coarse tannins and high alcohol, largely due to a handful of wines that emulated the California styles popular over twenty years ago. Noel Burgess, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025 Worker ants have long legs and antennae and their bodies have numerous, long, coarse hairs. Kim Luciani, The Enquirer, 14 July 2025 Additionally, Loro Piana continued to emphasize its outdoorsy proposition through coarse wools and nylon fabrics, while lighter and even more luxurious options included 100 percent silk textiles. Andrea Onate, Footwear News, 11 July 2025 Pull five times for a coarse dice, 10 times for a fine chop, and 15 times to purée. People Deals Team, People.com, 10 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for coarse
Recent Examples of Synonyms for coarse
Adjective
  • By The Athletic’s count, over nine innings during the Yankees’ 6-2 win over the Mets, those fans aimed the same vulgar chant at Soto a whopping 38 times.
    Will Sammon, New York Times, 17 May 2025
  • Because at the time, Madonna was seen as this controversial and sort of vulgar character.
    Terry Gross, NPR, 17 July 2025
Adjective
  • The law requires pornographic websites to verify users’ ages – for example by making users scan and upload their driver’s license – before granting access to content that is deemed obscene for minors but not adults.
    Meg Leta Jones, The Conversation, 27 June 2025
  • Lawsuit alleges 'obscene' government overreach Longo's lawsuit, filed in Chemung County, New York, names the county, the city of Elmira and several DEC officers as defendants.
    Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 12 July 2025
Adjective
  • For most of his first 10 songs, Costello’s singing was ragged and hoarse.
    George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 June 2025
  • Screamed himself hoarse and still tried calling for his brother.
    Maria Morava, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 June 2025
Adjective
  • The vastness of the canyon, with its jagged edges and rushing rivers.
    Shelby Slade, AZCentral.com, 16 July 2025
  • Major stock indexes continued their jagged descent downward in morning trading Tuesday after tumbling Monday.
    Tobias Burns, The Hill, 9 July 2025
Adjective
  • Spurred by climate change, Canadian wildfires have increasingly exacerbated poor air quality across Milwaukee and southern Wisconsin.
    Maia Pandey, jsonline.com, 24 July 2025
  • Cocoa prices have more than doubled over the past two years due to poor weather and disease in West Africa, which supplies more than 70% of the world’s cocoa.
    Dee-Ann Durbin, Chicago Tribune, 23 July 2025
Adjective
  • The old sandy beach was converted into open space where the county is planting native vegetation and creating bioswales and rain gardens, which help reduce runoff.
    Caitlin Looby, jsonline.com, 23 July 2025
  • Wood floors worn smooth by years of sandy feet, soft textured rugs, and fresh greenery bring nature indoors.
    Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 July 2025
Adjective
  • After a game in January where Luna played through a broken nose and registered an assist despite being elbowed in the face by a player from Costa Rica, Pochettino praised his young midfielder with a memorably crass description.
    Christian Babcock, Mercury News, 16 June 2025
  • Swearing and vulgarity aren’t just crass or abusive.
    CNN Money, CNN Money, 15 June 2025
Adjective
  • Bill Pogue’s family and friends knew him as a thoughtful, deeply sensitive man, despite his reputation as a gruff, stern, wildlife officer.
    Jim Zumbo, Outdoor Life, 17 July 2025
  • Who leaves us echoes — gruff, brilliant, unrepeatable — half legend, half lullaby.
    Lauren Huff, EW.com, 11 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Coarse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/coarse. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on coarse

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