1
as in clumsy
hastily or roughly constructed
a survivalist living in a rough-hewn shelter in the wilderness
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in crass
lacking in refinement or good taste
a rough-hewn kid who had to learn how to behave properly in polite company
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in uncomfortable
lacking social grace and assurance
rough-hewn military cadets feeling a little self-conscious at their first formal dance
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of rough-hewn
Rodney Atkins kicks off the 52nd CMA Fest's final evening
Knoxville native Rodney Atkins' rough-hewn country vocal performances kicked off the final evening of the 52nd CMA Fest at Nissan Stadium.
—
Bryan West, The Tennessean, 30 May 2025
When doused with water, the leather shrank, and the feathers expanded, and this rough-hewn ball would have flown well for the day, enabling golfers to make truer shots.
—Miles Corwin, Smithsonian Magazine, 23 June 2025
Over the years, Butler has become proficient at playing exceptional Average Joes: rough-hewn, relatable Everymen thrust into extraordinary circumstances that require dramatic feats of skill and bravery.
—Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 16 June 2025
Here, a twig fence and rough-hewn steps lend structure to a path while looking at one with the lush landscape.
2.
—Miranda Crowell, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for rough-hewn
Bryan West, The Tennessean, 30 May 2025
When doused with water, the leather shrank, and the feathers expanded, and this rough-hewn ball would have flown well for the day, enabling golfers to make truer shots.
—Miles Corwin, Smithsonian Magazine, 23 June 2025
Over the years, Butler has become proficient at playing exceptional Average Joes: rough-hewn, relatable Everymen thrust into extraordinary circumstances that require dramatic feats of skill and bravery.
—Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 16 June 2025
Here, a twig fence and rough-hewn steps lend structure to a path while looking at one with the lush landscape.
2.
—Miranda Crowell, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for rough-hewn
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rough-hewn
Adjective
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Dream plays are difficult to execute—whimsy is easily crushed by clumsy handling.—
Helen Shaw,
New Yorker,
25 July 2025
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Despite a clumsy apology tour, Hogan was never able to completely shake his darkest moment.—
Alfred Konuwa,
Forbes.com,
24 July 2025
Adjective
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After a game in January where Luna played through a broken nose and registered an assist despite being elbowed in the face by a player from Costa Rica, Pochettino praised his young midfielder with a memorably crass description.—
Christian Babcock,
Mercury News,
16 June 2025
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Swearing and vulgarity aren’t just crass or abusive.—
CNN Money,
CNN Money,
15 June 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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Opening originally in the 1990s as Mean Streak, the old rough wooden coaster was given new life in 2018 with its transformation into arguably the greatest roller coaster of all time.—
Soo Kim,
MSNBC Newsweek,
2 Aug. 2025
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The company had a rough second quarter, with automotive revenue falling 16% compared to a year ago — the second straight quarter of lower sales.—
Rob Nikolewski,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
2 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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By The Athletic’s count, over nine innings during the Yankees’ 6-2 win over the Mets, those fans aimed the same vulgar chant at Soto a whopping 38 times.—
Will Sammon,
New York Times,
17 May 2025
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Because at the time, Madonna was seen as this controversial and sort of vulgar character.—
Terry Gross,
NPR,
17 July 2025
Adjective
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She Rides Shotgun begins with one uneasy situation and ends on quite another, and the two hours in between are anything but comfortable.—
Damon Wise,
Deadline,
31 July 2025
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Step 3: Open the door and actually listen Senior leaders should become more visible, Burke says, especially to help coach managers who feel uneasy addressing tough topics.—
Alyshia Hull,
USA Today,
29 July 2025
Adjective
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The essence of the review is evaluation, which of course doesn’t imply the crude simplicity of a thumbs-up or thumbs-down.—
Richard Brody,
New Yorker,
24 July 2025
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Oil prices have been soft this year, with West Texas Intermediate crude futures off about 9% per barrel, and Brent crude futures down 8%.—
Darla Mercado, CFP®,
CNBC,
23 July 2025
Adjective
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Some posed for photos, others made rude gestures, and many simply stared.—
Jasmine Baehr,
FOXNews.com,
27 July 2025
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The movie’s off-color humor wouldn’t fly today, but its rebellious spirit remains hilariously defiant — a refreshingly rude retort to the niceties of family films and their cringey feel-good messages.—
Tim Grierson,
Vulture,
25 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Rough-hewn.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rough-hewn. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.
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