ROUGH Synonyms: 695 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

rough 1 of 3

adjective

ˈrəf

Definition of rough

as in uneven

not having a level or smooth surface a rough board can give you splinters

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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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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as in difficult

requiring considerable physical or mental effort a forensics expert who willingly takes on rough assignments

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as in tough

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

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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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as in clumsy

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

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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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as in shaggy

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

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as in hairy

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

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as in bumpy

marked by a series of sharp quick motions a rough flight that left some passengers nauseated

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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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

rough

2 of 3

noun

as in rowdy

Related Words

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

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

Tuesday’s struggles for AI stocks began in Asia, where a South Korean AI company, Elice, confronted a rough welcome to the stock market. — Stan Choe, Los Angeles Times, 20 Oct. 2026 Applegate has had a rough time of it since her initial, now apparently wrong, diagnosis. — Lisa Respers France, CNN Money, 20 Oct. 2026

Noun

Site prep comes next, then permits before any work begins, then electrical rough-in by a licensed electrician. — Allison Palmer updated June 25, Charlotte Observer, 25 June 2026 Kim hit her second shot into the left rough on the par-14 13th, and wound up sliding a 10-foot putt to the right for bogey. — Jim Alexander, Oc Register, 8 June 2026

Verb

Her selection enraged Iran’s hard-line Shiite theocracy, which increased her prison time and later sent guards to rough her up along with other prisoners who were protesting inside Evin Prison. — ABC News, 1 May 2026 This gorgeous camp on the edge of the Tibetan Plateau brings you back to nomad-style basics, without roughing it. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for rough

Recent Examples of Synonyms for rough

Adjective

The brand's signature technology combines a retinoid with lactic acid to smooth fine lines, uneven tone, and rough texture, and its AlphaRet Exfoliating Peel Pads take things a step further.

— Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 21 Oct. 2026
These accounts often waive monthly fees without a minimum balance and offer larger transaction or cash deposit allowances, since nonprofits may see uneven cash flow tied to grant cycles and fundraising.

— Andreina Rodriguez, CNBC, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of uneven

Adjective

Government critics and human rights campaigners have alleged that police tactics in the last month have been unnecessarily violent.

— ABC News, ABC News, 21 Oct. 2026
But complicating the government's efforts to bring the French deficit under control are widespread protests that have turned increasingly violent since starting as a Parisian student movement last month.

— Chloe Taylor, CNBC, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of violent

Adjective

Still, Saudi Arabia has viewed attendance at the event, and general support for the Gulf during turbulent times, as a loyalty test for global business leaders.

— Liz Hoffman, semafor.com, 19 Oct. 2026
Zacharia’s time in China was just one of her career highlights that triggered intense media scrutiny following her brief and turbulent appointment as White House press secretary.

— John Liu, CNN Money, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of turbulent

Adjective

Jarman, who came in as the defending champion on the event, put together a more difficult routine but was nicked by judges for his execution.

— ABC News, ABC News, 24 Oct. 2026
This is the last remaining game on the schedule that should be very difficult.

— David Troy OutKick, FOXNews.com, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of difficult

Adjective

The case has led to calls for tougher oversight of churches and other religious organizations in a country where religious faith plays a prominent role in public life.

— Jefferson Kahinju Reuters, Arkansas Online, 20 Oct. 2026
Thermal equilibrium might sound like a tough concept, but hundreds of systems reach them around us on a daily basis.

— Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of tough

Adjective

Defying the old-school stereotype of the hard-nosed, gruff newspaper boss, Vaughn often mentored young reporters in a serious but friendly and encouraging manner.

— Martin E. Comas, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 Oct. 2026
Over three decades in stand-up comedy, Bill Burr has gained a reputation for saying, with gruff conviction and political fire, the thing on everyone’s mind.

— Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of gruff

Adjective

Here, his clumsy, winky, affected, and self-undercutting direction can’t even work the charming Jenna Ortega to a great performance, as her Klara is flattened into a bundle of manic pixie mannerisms both physical and verbal.

— Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 20 Oct. 2026
Some Latinas are nerds, and some Latinas are quirky, and some of them are goofy and some of them are clumsy.

— Johanna Ferreira, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of clumsy

Adjective

In her smartly vulgar The Seasons (1957), which extends nearly 17 feet, Krasner returns to the subject of rebirth one year after Pollock’s death, depicting abundant forms resembling genitalia.

— John Yau, ARTnews.com, 18 Oct. 2026
While Musgraves' comments received both praise and backlash, one country music legend took exception to the vulgar remarks.

— Austin Perry OutKick, FOXNews.com, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of vulgar

Cite this Entry

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“Rough.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rough. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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verb

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