rugged

adjective

rug·ged ˈrə-gəd

Synonyms of rugged

: having a rough uneven surface : jagged

rugged mountains

the rugged surface of the moon

: seamed with wrinkles and furrows : weathered

—used of a human face

of a man's face : having rough but attractive features

rugged good looks

: presenting a severe test of ability, stamina, or resolution

a long and rugged winter

a rugged climb

: strongly built or constituted : robust

… those that survive are stalwart, rugged men …—L. D. Stamp

: rough and strong in character

made of rugged material

: coarse, rude

His single swift glance took in the men, one after another. Annixter, rugged, crude, sitting awkwardly …—Frank Norris

: austere, stern

Rugged, stern, puritanical, as were most of Boston's leaders …—Michael Pearson

: turbulent, stormy

rugged weather

obsolete : shaggy, hairy

ruggedly adverb

ruggedness noun

Choose the Right Synonym for rugged

rough, harsh, uneven, rugged, scabrous mean not smooth or even.

rough implies points, bristles, ridges, or projections on the surface.

a rough wooden board

harsh implies a surface or texture distinctly unpleasant to the touch.

a harsh fabric that chafes the skin

uneven implies a lack of uniformity in height, breadth, or quality.

an old house with uneven floors

rugged implies irregularity or roughness of land surface and connotes difficulty of travel.

a rugged landscape

scabrous implies scaliness or prickliness of surface.

a scabrous leaf

Examples of rugged in a Sentence

the rugged surface of the moon She did a painting of the region's rugged coastline. People are attracted to his rugged good looks. I admire her rugged individualism.

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.

This is still a midsize SUV designed around passenger accommodation rather than the pursuit of sporty driving dynamics or a rugged image that will never see anything rougher than a gravel driveway. — New Atlas, 24 Oct. 2026 Their rugged shape acts as a welcome counterpoint, toughening up outfits with a particular cool girl edge. — Nuria Luis, Vogue, 23 Oct. 2026 The wreckage was spotted the next morning in remote, rugged terrain. — Jennifer McRae, CBS News, 22 Oct. 2026 Talkhouse, along with a rugged cast of native whalers (for whom Brewster-walker has curated her own traveling exhibit) are also featured. — Jason Motlagh, Rolling Stone, 22 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for rugged

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Middle English *rug

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 6

Time Traveler

The first known use of rugged was in the 14th century

See more words from the same century

Cite this Entry

Style

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

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Kids Definition

rugged

adjective

rug·ged ˈrəg-əd

: having a rough uneven surface

hiking on rugged trails

the rugged surface of the moon

: having wrinkles or uneven features

their rugged faces

rugged good looks

: having a rough but strong or sturdy character

rugged pioneers

: involving hardship : presenting a severe test of physical, mental, or moral strength

a rugged winter

rugged training

the rugged life of a sailor

: being strong and tough

rugged enough to stand hard use

ruggedly adverb

ruggedness noun

rugged

adjective

Synonyms of rugged

Examples of rugged in a Sentence

Word History

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Cite this Entry

Kids Definition

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