rude

adjective

ˈrüd How to pronounce rude (audio)
ruder; rudest
Synonyms of rude
1
: lacking refinement or delicacy:
a
: offensive in manner or action : discourteous
shocked by their rude behavior
It was rude to keep us waiting.
b
: inelegant, uncouth
had rude table manners
c
: ignorant, unlearned
d
: uncivilized
e
: coarse, vulgar
rude jokes/language
2
a
: being in a rough or unfinished state : crude
b
: natural, raw
rude cotton
c
: primitive, undeveloped
… peasants use rude wooden plows …—Jack Raymond
d
: simple, elemental
… we spread a rude sort of awning …—Herman Melville
3
: marked by or suggestive of lack of training or skill : inexperienced
rude workmanship
4
: robust, sturdy
in rude health
5
: occurring abruptly and disconcertingly
a rude awakening
rudely adverb

Synonyms of rude

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rude, rough, crude, raw mean lacking in social refinement.

rude implies ignorance of or indifference to good form; it may suggest intentional discourtesy.

rude behavior

rough is likely to stress lack of polish and gentleness.

rough manners

crude may apply to thought or behavior limited to the gross, the obvious, or the primitive.

a crude joke

raw suggests being untested, inexperienced, or unfinished.

turning raw youths into polished performers

Examples of rude in a Sentence

I was shocked by her rude behavior. I can't believe that he was so rude to me. I heard someone make a rude noise.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Full-time residents who have sought relief from the city for years say their quality of life continues to be disrupted by rude and dangerous strangers. — Linda Robertson updated October 22, Miami Herald, 22 Oct. 2026 One manifestation of Gabriel’s anger is physical, meaning that Murphy needed to throw a punch while the character is drunk at a party after his friend makes a rude remark about his parents’ divorce. — Isabelle Farina, Variety, 18 Oct. 2026 Were my siblings rude to ignore my plan and take them for themselves? — Judith Martin, Sun Sentinel, 14 Oct. 2026 An alligator with a sense of humor knocked on a North Carolina woman’s front door in the middle of the night, and the rascal got a rather rude response. — Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 12 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for rude

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin rudis; probably akin to Latin rudus rubble

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 5

Time Traveler
The first known use of rude was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing rude

Rhymes for rude

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Browse Nearby Words

ruddy well
rude
rude awakening
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Rude.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rude. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

rude

adjective
ˈrüd How to pronounce rude (audio)
ruder; rudest
1
: impolite
2
: not refined or cultured
3
: being sudden and forceful
a rude awakening
4
: being in a rough or unfinished state : roughly made
rudely adverb
rudeness noun
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