1
as in tough
difficult to endure
harsh conditions in the refugee camp
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in uncomfortable
causing discomfort
the harsh northern climate
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in painful
hard to accept or bear especially emotionally
the harsh reality of failure harsh words of criticism from her music teacher
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
6
as in unpleasant
not giving pleasure to the mind or senses
winced at the harsh sound that the beginner violinist was making
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 harsh
This milder environment is actually ideal because the plants won't be exposed to harsh sunlight.
—
Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Feb. 2026
To disinfect a hand massager, wipe clean with a solution that is free of harsh chemicals such as alcohol or bleach.
—Bestreviews, Mercury News, 5 Feb. 2026
Homan has since replaced Border Patrol commander Greg Bovino in Minneapolis, who openly encouraged the harsh tactics and has been reassigned out of the state.
—Philip Wang, Time, 4 Feb. 2026
From snowfall to sub-freezing temperatures, this harsh winter has left many cold to the bone, from the physical to the emotional.
—Barry Pintar, CBS News, 4 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for harsh
Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Feb. 2026
To disinfect a hand massager, wipe clean with a solution that is free of harsh chemicals such as alcohol or bleach.
—Bestreviews, Mercury News, 5 Feb. 2026
Homan has since replaced Border Patrol commander Greg Bovino in Minneapolis, who openly encouraged the harsh tactics and has been reassigned out of the state.
—Philip Wang, Time, 4 Feb. 2026
From snowfall to sub-freezing temperatures, this harsh winter has left many cold to the bone, from the physical to the emotional.
—Barry Pintar, CBS News, 4 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for harsh
Recent Examples of Synonyms for harsh
Adjective
-
Most importantly, Alvarado relishes in his role as a tough-nosed, point-of-attack defender, an area the Knicks have had trouble despite building a roster with notable defenders across all positions.—
Kristian Winfield,
New York Daily News,
5 Feb. 2026
-
With a durable and tough rubber sole featuring Vibram's TC5+ technology, each step offers the right amount of flex and resistance for a comfortable hiking experience.—
Michael Cappetta,
Travel + Leisure,
5 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Emily Brontë’s 1847 novel already established a Gothic world in which the trauma is as loud as the wind on the moors, and Emerald Fennell’s adaptation excises major portions of the book to streamline that atmospheric darkness and ultimate tragedy.—
Roxana Hadadi,
Vulture,
13 Feb. 2026
-
Konstantin, 4, a sociable boy, is often frightened by loud noises and guards, his parents said.—
Mike Hixenbaugh,
NBC news,
13 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Starmer fired Mandelson in September after a tranche of emails revealed uncomfortable details about his ties to Epstein.—
Christian Edwards,
CNN Money,
9 Feb. 2026
-
Also, some users reported that rocks, mud and other softer substances get caught in the holes of the sole, making walking uncomfortable.—
BestReviews,
Chicago Tribune,
9 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Freezer operations typically require specialized protective gear, shorter shifts, and strict exposure limits, all of which drive higher labor costs.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
10 Feb. 2026
-
Places like Los Angeles and Oakland have high permit fees and strict zoning that often confines cans to industrial areas.—
Alexandra Harrell,
Sourcing Journal,
9 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Four years later, at the 2018 Pyeongchang Games, Gabrielle Daleman could only bury her face in her hands after the Canadian’s disappointing free skate, her painful reaction beamed to a global audience.—
Dave Skretta,
Chicago Tribune,
15 Feb. 2026
-
As painful as this pain deep in the heart is, the healing has already begun with all the outpouring of love, prayers, and support.—
Alejandra Gularte,
Vulture,
15 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
When Luna conjoins intense Pluto, our feelings about such shifts might burst out in unpleasant ways!—
Tarot.com,
The Orlando Sentinel,
15 Feb. 2026
-
Though a person infected with the virus may experience unpleasant symptoms, others may be asymptomatic and show no symptoms at all.—
Adrianna Rodriguez,
USA Today,
15 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Drawing from the histories of women detained for their political beliefs, the work explores how care, resistance and survival persist even under the most oppressive conditions.—
Anne Gelhaus,
Mercury News,
1 Feb. 2026
-
Director Tony Williams masterfully curates a mood of oppressive dread from the opening minutes through the bloody climax and explosive final frames, making this one of the very best Australian horror films of all time.—
Kevin Jacobsen,
Entertainment Weekly,
31 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Further, there is the even uglier spectre of players and coaches themselves fixing games.—
Tom Tapp,
Deadline,
12 Feb. 2026
-
Shower Heads Even the most high-end shower heads are not immune to ugly mineral deposits and limescale buildup that can clog the holes.—
Louise Parks,
Martha Stewart,
11 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Harsh.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/harsh. Accessed 17 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
