rough 1 of 3

adjective

ˈrəf How to pronounce rough (audio)
Definition of roughnext
1
as in uneven
not having a level or smooth surface a rough board can give you splinters

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2
as in violent
marked by bursts of destructive force or intense activity rough waters that made sailing our sloop a little risky

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3
as in turbulent
marked by wet and windy conditions at least wear a raincoat if you're going out into that rough weather

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4
as in difficult
requiring considerable physical or mental effort a forensics expert who willingly takes on rough assignments

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5
as in tough
difficult to endure I've had a rough time of it since I lost my job

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6
as in gruff
harsh and threatening in manner or appearance the rough faces of hardened criminals who had spent most of their lives behind bars

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7
as in clumsy
hastily or roughly constructed made a rough camp as darkness fell over the forest

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8
as in vulgar
lacking in refinement or good taste he learned polite words to replace the rough language he had known growing up

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9
as in shaggy
covered with or as if with hair a face rough with a couple days' worth of beard

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10
as in hairy
made of or resembling hair a rough-coated dog who was always shedding his fur

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11
as in bumpy
marked by a series of sharp quick motions a rough flight that left some passengers nauseated

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12
as in wild
marked by turmoil or disturbance especially of natural elements after a rough week on the high seas, we were happy to sail through the gulf's more tranquil waters

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rough

2 of 3

noun

as in rowdy

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rough

3 of 3

verb

as in to chop

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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective rough contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of rough are harsh, rugged, scabrous, and uneven. While all these words mean "not smooth or even," rough implies points, bristles, ridges, or projections on the surface.

a rough wooden board

In what contexts can harsh take the place of rough?

While in some cases nearly identical to rough, harsh implies a surface or texture distinctly unpleasant to the touch.

a harsh fabric that chafes the skin

When is rugged a more appropriate choice than rough?

In some situations, the words rugged and rough are roughly equivalent. However, rugged implies irregularity or roughness of land surface and connotes difficulty of travel.

a rugged landscape

Where would scabrous be a reasonable alternative to rough?

Although the words scabrous and rough have much in common, scabrous implies scaliness or prickliness of surface.

a scabrous leaf

When might uneven be a better fit than rough?

The meanings of uneven and rough largely overlap; however, uneven implies a lack of uniformity in height, breadth, or quality.

an old house with uneven floors

How does the adjective rough contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of rough are harsh, rugged, scabrous, and uneven. While all these words mean "not smooth or even," rough implies points, bristles, ridges, or projections on the surface.

a rough wooden board

In what contexts can harsh take the place of rough?

While in some cases nearly identical to rough, harsh implies a surface or texture distinctly unpleasant to the touch.

a harsh fabric that chafes the skin

When is rugged a more appropriate choice than rough?

In some situations, the words rugged and rough are roughly equivalent. However, rugged implies irregularity or roughness of land surface and connotes difficulty of travel.

a rugged landscape

Where would scabrous be a reasonable alternative to rough?

Although the words scabrous and rough have much in common, scabrous implies scaliness or prickliness of surface.

a scabrous leaf

When might uneven be a better fit than rough?

The meanings of uneven and rough largely overlap; however, uneven implies a lack of uniformity in height, breadth, or quality.

an old house with uneven floors

How does the adjective rough contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of rough are harsh, rugged, scabrous, and uneven. While all these words mean "not smooth or even," rough implies points, bristles, ridges, or projections on the surface.

a rough wooden board

In what contexts can harsh take the place of rough?

While in some cases nearly identical to rough, harsh implies a surface or texture distinctly unpleasant to the touch.

a harsh fabric that chafes the skin

When is rugged a more appropriate choice than rough?

In some situations, the words rugged and rough are roughly equivalent. However, rugged implies irregularity or roughness of land surface and connotes difficulty of travel.

a rugged landscape

Where would scabrous be a reasonable alternative to rough?

Although the words scabrous and rough have much in common, scabrous implies scaliness or prickliness of surface.

a scabrous leaf

When might uneven be a better fit than rough?

The meanings of uneven and rough largely overlap; however, uneven implies a lack of uniformity in height, breadth, or quality.

an old house with uneven floors

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 rough
Adjective
Detroit is in the middle of a rough patch with four straight losses, but still holds the East’s top record at 45-18. —Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 9 Mar. 2026 Bryk was introduced in Season 1 as Ebon, a rough-around-the-edges Boston guy who spends his summers among the blue-blooded elite, captaining a charter boat for senators and celebrities. —Matt Grobar, Deadline, 9 Mar. 2026
Noun
On Thursday, after a wayward drive landed in the left rough on the par-4 eighth hole, Rahm’s mood soured. —Devlina Sarkar, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Oct. 2025 His opening drive found the primary rough, and his second shot landed in a hazard, forcing a drop, only to find the hazard again. —Tim Corlett, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025
Verb
Jennings made the throw while getting drilled by All-Pro defensive tackle Jalen Carter, who was flagged for roughing the passer. —Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 12 Jan. 2026 Booker was penalized for roughing the passer on the hit that sent Love into concussion protocol. —Steve Megargee, Twin Cities, 8 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for rough
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rough
  1. uneven
  2. violent
  3. turbulent
  4. difficult
  5. tough
  6. gruff
  7. clumsy
  8. vulgar
Adjective
  • The National Park Service sees planting as insurance against the uneven distribution and high mortality of the naturally sprouting trees.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 13 Mar. 2026
  • Davis’ successor, Steve Alford, failed to replicate the success of Davis’ goodbye season during his uneven eight-year run in Iowa City.
    — Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 12 Mar. 2026
Definition of uneven
Adjective
  • The death of a star is usually thought to be a violent and hostile place, filled with scorching radiation that destroys fragile molecules.
    — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 15 Mar. 2026
  • Last year, the county sued NaphCare for its alleged role in the death of Brandon Yates, who was murdered in the Central Jail in 2024 after being wrongly placed into a cell with a violent offender.
    — Kelly Davis, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Mar. 2026
Definition of violent
Adjective
  • The former ambassador leaves the post after a turbulent, combative year at the arts institution.
    — Geoff Edgers, Washington Post, 14 Mar. 2026
  • Multiple sources have indicated the Aztecs won’t accept either and instead get started on what figures to be a turbulent offseason.
    — Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Mar. 2026
Definition of turbulent
Adjective
  • Kansas played the Blue Devils close and made life difficult for Duke freshman Cameron Boozer, largely thanks to Flory Bidunga’s defense.
    — Shreyas Laddha, Kansas City Star, 16 Mar. 2026
  • Parents in attendance shared appreciation for seeing teens connect with older adults, especially during a stage of life when meaningful conversation at home can sometimes feel more difficult.
    — News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Mar. 2026
Definition of difficult
Adjective
  • In 2008, Klay Thompson of Santa Margarita scored 37 points and made a record seven three-pointers at the notoriously tough Arco Arena in Sacramento to help the Eagles win the Division III title over Sacramento 72-55.
    — Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 13 Mar. 2026
  • Punch made multiple tough baskets and got to the free-throw line as the Jayhawks struggled with his physicality.
    — Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 Mar. 2026
Definition of tough
Adjective
  • As Woody Harrelson detailed Harrison Ford's accomplishments from the Actors Awards stage, the famously gruff actor seemed to squirm in his seat, somehow uncomfortable with praise even at the age of 83.
    — Eve Batey, Vanity Fair, 2 Mar. 2026
  • While not gruff or unfriendly, the serious New York restaurateur carries a distinct tone of getting down to business, even when casually chatting about how the show has changed over time.
    — Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 27 Feb. 2026
Definition of gruff
Adjective
  • But weighting the draft odds is a delicate business — and one the Bulls remain committed to approaching with a clumsy commitment to competitiveness.
    — Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 9 Mar. 2026
  • Kurt's key takeaway Scammers are no longer relying only on clumsy emails or obvious red flags.
    — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 9 Mar. 2026
Definition of clumsy
Adjective
  • Lewd and vulgar language is banned.
    — Matt Schooley, CBS News, 14 Mar. 2026
  • Bauder admonished the crowd several times for being too noisy, and police removed a protester who yelled vulgar comments.
    — Heather Hollingsworth, Los Angeles Times, 13 Mar. 2026
Definition of vulgar

Phrases Containing rough

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rouges
rough
rough-and-ready
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Cite this Entry

“Rough.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rough. Accessed 18 Mar. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of rough for Spanish Speakers

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