1
as in tough
difficult to endure
harsh conditions in the refugee camp
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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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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
The team also developed a two-stage strength-control system that helps the material adapt to harsh climates and maintain consistent performance throughout the year.
—
Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 19 July 2025
Hugo Gonzalez improves After enduring some harsh growing pains in Monday’s loss to Miami (3-for-12, 1-for-7 from three, six turnovers, seven fouls), Gonzalez responded well in his third game in Celtics uniform.
—Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 18 July 2025
The indictment shines a harsh light on Hunsicker, but might take some of the heat off of CaaStle’s board, which was responsible for overseeing her.
—Evan Clark, Footwear News, 18 July 2025
The biggest change was the introduction of the punitive second apron, which imposed harsh team-building restrictions on teams that crossed said line.
—Bryan Toporek, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for harsh
Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 19 July 2025
Hugo Gonzalez improves After enduring some harsh growing pains in Monday’s loss to Miami (3-for-12, 1-for-7 from three, six turnovers, seven fouls), Gonzalez responded well in his third game in Celtics uniform.
—Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 18 July 2025
The indictment shines a harsh light on Hunsicker, but might take some of the heat off of CaaStle’s board, which was responsible for overseeing her.
—Evan Clark, Footwear News, 18 July 2025
The biggest change was the introduction of the punitive second apron, which imposed harsh team-building restrictions on teams that crossed said line.
—Bryan Toporek, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for harsh
Recent Examples of Synonyms for harsh
Adjective
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The tougher policy changes are adding to the minors’ trauma, advocates say.—
Nicol León,
AZCentral.com,
22 July 2025
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Beans and peas can grow stringy and tough when they are allowed to over-mature.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
21 July 2025
Adjective
-
The calls from the right flank of the GOP for Phelan's ouster were equally as loud as the calls that any speaker must have the support of most, if not all, of the Republican House members.—
John C. Moritz,
Austin American Statesman,
30 July 2025
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For the millions watching, their story is a reminder that joy doesn’t have to be loud.—
Jordan Greene,
People.com,
29 July 2025
Adjective
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But the odd tone of their recent fight when Miranda comments on Carrie’s flirtation with her writer neighbor Duncan (Jonathan Cake) is uncomfortable.—
Lily Ford,
HollywoodReporter,
23 July 2025
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For marketers, this is both exciting and uncomfortable.—
Francesca Pezzoli,
Forbes.com,
23 July 2025
Adjective
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For example, in sales, if a customer wants a certain number of licenses but has a strict budget, an agent can help figure out the best deal by looking at things like license count, budget limits and different contract lengths (like one-, two- or three-year terms).—
Ian Gotts,
Forbes.com,
23 July 2025
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The immediate problem, however, is whether Barca will be able to even play Rashford given their long-running issues registering players within La Liga’s strict salary limits.—
Dermot Corrigan,
New York Times,
22 July 2025
Adjective
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The tents are overrun by mosquitoes and other large insects, subjecting people to frequent and painful insect bites.—
Steve Bousquet,
The Orlando Sentinel,
22 July 2025
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Some people will also get deeper nodules and cysts that are painful or tender to the touch.2 Ice can be very effective at alleviating pain and reducing inflammation.—
Sherri Gordon,
Health,
22 July 2025
Adjective
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Disruptions in the ratio, like when there’s too much estrogen vs. testosterone, can cause unpleasant symptoms like weight gain, mood swings, and fatigue.—
Caitlin Pagán,
Verywell Health,
1 Aug. 2025
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Tribalism can and does spill over into much more unpleasant areas, from basic name-calling to more insidious abuse.—
Nick Miller,
New York Times,
1 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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In many areas along and east of the Mississippi River, heat index values could soar to between 110 and 115 degrees — the kind of oppressive heat that can quickly turn dangerous without proper precautions.—
Brandi D. Addison,
Austin American Statesman,
23 July 2025
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Generally, when dew point values climb into the 70s, the heat becomes a nuisance and feels oppressive.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
22 July 2025
Adjective
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In 1965 Martin got into an ugly battle with President Lyndon B. Johnson.—
Steve Forbes,
Forbes.com,
21 July 2025
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In 1996, Cantor died, and Lutnick, after an ugly succession battle with Cantor’s widow, Iris, took control.—
Antonia Hitchens,
New Yorker,
21 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Harsh.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/harsh. Accessed 4 Aug. 2025.
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