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
Warm whites, greige, and beige brighten dark rooms without feeling harsh or cold.
—
The Spruce,
3 July 2026
The Dalton’s 120-man crew was imprisoned in Plymouth, England, under harsh conditions.
—
ABC News,
2 July 2026
But the team’s longer-term plans to contend might have taken a step back this week as the organization surprisingly lost a young pitching prospect to retirement amid a harsh stretch on the mound.
—
Peter Chawaga,
Forbes.com,
2 July 2026
But then, he was sent off for a harsh, but incredibly controversial challenge in the second half.
—
David Hickey,
NBC news,
2 July 2026
See All Example Sentences for harsh
The Spruce,
3 July 2026
The Dalton’s 120-man crew was imprisoned in Plymouth, England, under harsh conditions.
—
ABC News,
2 July 2026
But the team’s longer-term plans to contend might have taken a step back this week as the organization surprisingly lost a young pitching prospect to retirement amid a harsh stretch on the mound.
—
Peter Chawaga,
Forbes.com,
2 July 2026
But then, he was sent off for a harsh, but incredibly controversial challenge in the second half.
—
David Hickey,
NBC news,
2 July 2026
See All Example Sentences for harsh
Recent Examples of Synonyms for harsh
Adjective
-
MacDonald agrees that some of Kiros' positions could put Democratic candidates in a tough spot.
-
The 34 measures include cuts to income tax for low- and middle income families, an overhaul of the creaking pension system, tougher rules for employees' sick leave and a reduction of the country's stifling bureaucracy.
Adjective
-
Despite a soggy start, the crowd stayed loud and energetic throughout the night.
-
There are loud crowds, and then there are Mexican soccer crowds.
Adjective
-
Runcie is sharply attuned to the vast uncomfortable grey areas of gender and power relations, navigating them with wry, revelatory observations that are devastatingly acute.
-
That observation carries an uncomfortable implication for executives.
Adjective
-
California has strict fireworks laws because of the combination of fire danger and population, Berlant said.
-
In whatever role, expect Teng to be on a strict innings limit and pitch count for his next few outings at Triple-A Sugar Land.
Adjective
-
And that says something painful about what my country has become, and my place in it.
-
For thousands of Venezuelans, however, the absence of definitive answers has become one of the tragedy’s most painful consequences.
Adjective
-
Alas, Ligeti proved to be an extraordinarily difficult collaborator, his manic perfectionism colliding with practical reality and leading to unpleasant scenes.
-
The consequences are unpleasant, but can also turn dangerous very quickly as body temperature rises.
Adjective
-
Other booths included photo opportunities dressed in traditional Colonial garb, hands-on historical exhibits and interactive displays that offered visitors a break from the oppressive heat.
-
Due to the oppressive heat, the Phillies have adjusted operations through Thursday's game.
Adjective
-
Lasko’s teammate, Devin Taylor, was able to get up and field the rolling ball that split the two defenders, but Lasko stayed on the ground in what was a pretty ugly crash.
-
His ability to perform a cesarean section — something Doc couldn't dream of — forces the town to reckon with an ugly part of their collective conscience.
Cite this Entry
“Harsh.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/harsh. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
