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harsh

harsh

 
 
pronunciation:
harsh
features:
Word Combinations (adjective), Word Explorer
part of speech: adjective
inflections: harsher, harshest
definition 1: rough and unpleasant to the senses, esp. hearing.
The branches made a harsh screeching noise as they scraped the window.Cherry flavoring covers up the harsh taste of the medicine.
synonyms:
rough
antonyms:
dulcet, mellifluous, smooth, soft, subdued, sweet, tender
similar words:
abrasive, acrid, discordant, dissonant, grating, gravelly, gruff, guttural, hard, jangling, jarring, ragged, raspy, stark, unpleasant
definition 2: rough and unpleasant in effect or action.
Flogging was a harsh but common punishment aboard ship.I turned my collar up against the harsh wind.It was a harsh remedy, but it achieved good results.
 
antonyms:
benign, gentle, mild
similar words:
abrasive, acrid, caustic, hard, raw, rigorous, rough, rude, rugged, severe, stiff, tough, unpleasant, violent
definition 3: severe or demanding.
The sergeant was a harsh taskmaster.If you continue to be so harsh with the child, he will grow up to resent you.
synonyms:
demanding, severe, strict
antonyms:
clement, gentle, kind, lenient, mild, soft
similar words:
critical, dour, grim, hard, oppressive, relentless, rigorous, rugged, stern, stringent, tough, unkind
Word CombinationsSubscriber feature About this feature
derivations: harshly (adv.), harshness (n.)
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