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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Examples Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for harshness
  1. severity
  2. bite
  3. edge
Noun
  • The outlet added that first responders at the scene were reminded of combat wounds because of the severity of the injuries.
    Clare Fisher, People.com, 2 Jan. 2025
  • While authorities did not release additional details about the severity of the injuries, Curry County Sheriff Michael Brockett told Fox News Digital that two of the injured workers were in critical condition.
    Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 1 Jan. 2025
Definition of severity
Noun
  • Outside of in-room dining, current options to grab a bite to eat include La Terrasse, Café Laurier, and Wilfrid's Restaurant.
    Danielle Harling, Travel + Leisure, 31 Dec. 2024
  • Nerve and muscle damage from the bite is preventing any mobility.
    Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 31 Dec. 2024
Definition of bite
Noun
  • He was rated as the No. 1 edge rusher by Rivals and On3 in the 2024 recruiting cycle.
    Mitch Sherman, The Athletic, 10 Jan. 2025
  • But something else has been cultivated in the process of essentially playing a full extra season in the last six years: a prevailing psychological edge that should gird them for the playoffs in a way no other current NFL team can know.
    Vahe Gregorian, Kansas City Star, 10 Jan. 2025
Definition of edge
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.

Thesaurus Entries Near harshness

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 15 Jan. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on harshness

Nglish: Translation of harshness for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of harshness for Arabic Speakers

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