harshness

noun

Definition of harshnessnext
1
as in bitterness
a harsh or sharp quality there was a harshness about her voice that made her an unlikely but surprisingly evocative singer of torch songs

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in severity
the quality or state of being demanding or unyielding (as in discipline or criticism) was surprised at the harshness of the choirmaster's criticism, since he was usually pretty easygoing

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 harshness Then there is the harshness of space. — Sven Bilén, The Conversation, 16 June 2026 There is no lag to anticipate and no visual harshness pulling attention away from the music. — William Jones, USA Today, 3 June 2026 The texture is firm and mouth-filling, with the higher alcohol providing structure without harshness. — Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 30 May 2026 Sunlight naturally sanitizes, and air drying prevents the harshness of high heat. — Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 29 June 2026 Yet the harshness of humanity has been constantly rescued by our capacity to create and love. — Simon Sebag Montefiore, The Atlantic, 28 June 2026 Read more Amid the harshness of Jim Crow, Walker accomplished what seemed impossible. — Vivian Yee, New York Times, 20 June 2026 The harshness of the response suggested that after nearly five decades of trying to negotiate with the SSPX, the Holy See has had enough. — ABC News, 2 July 2026 The harshness of the response suggested that after trying to negotiate with the SSPX, the Vatican under Leo XIV had had enough. — Nicole Winfield, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for harshness
  1. bitterness
  2. severity
  3. bite
  4. edge
  5. roughness
Noun
  • In the case of Alito and Thomas, there is also a striking note of bitterness.
    — Amy Davidson Sorkin, New Yorker, 30 June 2026
  • Looking back now, however, there is no bitterness attached to that chapter.
    — Tereza Shkurtaj, PEOPLE, 28 June 2026
Definition of bitterness
Noun
  • Emergency drain cleaning runs $400 to $1,000 or more, depending on severity.
    — Sharon Wu, USA Today, 4 July 2026
  • While most wildfires in the past burned slowly across the forest floor, providing benefits to the forest, high-severity fires roar into the tops of the trees, burning 1,000 degrees or hotter, with flames that can reach 200 feet tall.
    — Paul Rogers, Mercury News, 3 July 2026
Definition of severity
Noun
  • At a charge, guests may also book a cute Patina Osaka wagon, packed with chairs, cuddly blankets, bites, and drinks for a bucolic picnic in the park.
    — Kathryn Romeyn, Travel + Leisure, 7 July 2026
  • The reception reportedly offered multiple bars and food stations, which featured bites such as sushi and Italian cuisine.
    — Chanel Vargas, InStyle, 6 July 2026
Definition of bite
Noun
  • The Detroit pizza features the style’s signature crown of crispy cheese around the edges, and a blanket of brick cheese.
    — Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
  • Both the scalloped edges and adorable blue gingham print made this a top pick for me.
    — Better Homes & Gardens, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 July 2026
Definition of edge
Noun
  • The result is an aesthetic that skillfully balances a variety of textures, including injecting Shou Sugi Ban custom treatments inspired by Japanese principles of wabi-sabi that typically employ elements of asymmetry, roughness, and simplicity.
    — Rachel Davies, Architectural Digest, 12 June 2026
  • Features such as surface roughness and protruding fibers create more sites where particles can stick to the outer surface rather than passing through.
    — Sumit Mandal, The Conversation, 9 June 2026
Definition of roughness

Browse Nearby Words

harshly
harshness
harum-scarum
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Cite this Entry

“Harshness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/harshness. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of harshness for Spanish Speakers

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