raw 1 of 2

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as in crude
being such as found in nature and not altered by processing or refining raw sugar is honey-colored because the crystals retain cane juices, minerals, and other impurities that haven't been refined out

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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as in biting
causing intense discomfort to one's skin bundle up if you're going sailing, as there's a raw wind out there in the bay

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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raw

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noun

as in nudity
the state of having no clothes on one's body a secluded swimming hole where we could swim in the raw

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective raw differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of raw are crude, rough, and rude. While all these words mean "lacking in social refinement," raw suggests being untested, inexperienced, or unfinished.

turning raw youths into polished performers

When might crude be a better fit than raw?

The words crude and raw can be used in similar contexts, but crude may apply to thought or behavior limited to the gross, the obvious, or the primitive.

a crude joke

When could rough be used to replace raw?

The meanings of rough and raw largely overlap; however, rough is likely to stress lack of polish and gentleness.

rough manners

When is rude a more appropriate choice than raw?

The words rude and raw are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, rude implies ignorance of or indifference to good form; it may suggest intentional discourtesy.

rude behavior

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 raw
Adjective
The piece exemplifies the power of citizen journalism to provide raw, intimate storytelling where traditional media access is restricted, offering a vital and humanizing perspective on a deeply complex conflict. Marcus Jones, IndieWire, 17 Apr. 2025 The piece exemplifies the power of citizen journalism to provide raw, intimate storytelling where traditional media access is restricted, offering a vital and humanizing perspective on a deeply complex conflict. Brande Victorian, HollywoodReporter, 17 Apr. 2025
Noun
Employee cracked a raw shelled egg with gloved hands then handled a clean plate and kitchen utensils without washing hands between tasks. Ebony Day, azcentral, 25 Dec. 2019 Tim RoneyGetty Images Her 1995 raw, ragey, best-selling album, Jagged Little Pill, spoke to a generation—and inspired a musical of the same name, opening on Broadway this month. Alanis Morissette, Marie Claire, 8 Nov. 2019 See All Example Sentences for raw
Recent Examples of Synonyms for raw
Adjective
  • The Food and Drug Administration in January warned manufacturers using uncooked meat to reassess their food safety plans in light of the recent cat illnesses and deaths.
    Aria Bendix, NBC news, 30 Mar. 2025
  • Tips include: Avoid eating uncooked or undercooked food.
    Saleen Martin, USA TODAY, 25 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • The spill killed 11 people and injured 17 others as 210 million gallons of crude oil were released into the Gulf of Mexico (recently renamed by the U.S. government as Gulf of America) for a total of 87 days.
    Terry Collins, USA Today, 20 Apr. 2025
  • But recently the price of Russian crude oil, called Urals, has dipped close to $50 per barrel.
    Laura Kelly, The Hill, 18 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Overanalyzing every win and loss will make your journey feel more turbulent than necessary.
    Nelson Chu, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Interesting, turbulent life (including 22 years in prison).
    Jay Nordlinger, National Review, 14 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Inevitably, this detention will have a severe chilling effect on peoples' willingness to come to court on all matters of disputes, both civil and criminal.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Apr. 2025
  • While some lawmakers, such as EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, have publicly denied any targeting, the concern alone is having a chilling effect across the field.
    Natalie Madeira Cofield, Forbes.com, 22 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The word itself began life as a British colonial term, probably a corruption of kutu, a Malay word for lice and other biting insects.
    Bruce Handy, The Atlantic, 16 Apr. 2025
  • But the two-hour, 40-minute script by Jennifer Crittenden and Gabrielle Allan is smart, biting, playful and swift-paced.
    Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Of course, there has also been rampant speculation that Styles could be the latest marquee WWE star to jump ship to AEW.
    Blake Oestriecher, Forbes.com, 21 Apr. 2025
  • Obviously the rampant physical comedy benefits from a lot of special effects and stunts.
    Chris Willman, Variety, 19 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The eggs appear like tiny bits of dirt to the naked eye and are about half a millimeter in size.
    Caelyn Pender, Mercury News, 25 Apr. 2025
  • The moon and Venus will be fairly easy to see with the naked eye, but the dimness of Saturn may post a challenge for some.
    Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 25 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The exemptions were a rare piece of good news for the battered financial markets, and U.S. stocks closed higher Monday.
    John Bacon, USA Today, 15 Apr. 2025
  • In rare cases, legislative changes could extend the window.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Raw.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/raw. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.

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