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

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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 Pool/Tim Graham Picture Library/Getty Images Grief, loneliness, and the harshness of Eton’s education put Harry to the test. — Annabelle Dufraigne, Architectural Digest, 29 Sep. 2026 Reparations are about exercising a radical vision, thinking beyond the harshness of life, and knowing that something better is possible. — Literary Hub, 27 July 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 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 Then there is the harshness of space. — Sven Bilén, The Conversation, 16 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for harshness
  1. bitterness
  2. severity
  3. bite
  4. edge
  5. roughness
Noun
  • Some are prized for their sweet custard and fruity notes, others for a hint of bitterness, an alcohol tinge or even a peanut butter flavor.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 27 Sep. 2026
  • Arugula’s natural bitterness kicks off digestion before the first bite, cueing saliva, stomach acid and digestive enzymes that help the body prepare to break down a meal.
    — Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Sep. 2026
Definition of bitterness
Noun
  • Meta classified the incident as Sev 1, its second-highest severity level.
    — Drew Naukam, Forbes.com, 1 Oct. 2026
  • Areas at high risk of flooding and where few people are insured tend to be poorer, experts said, as are areas where FEMA's flood maps don't properly convey the severity of the risk or mandate that enough people buy coverage.
    — MICHAEL PHILLIS, Arkansas Online, 30 Sep. 2026
Definition of severity
Noun
  • Decadently delicious is the Champagne Bar, where Ruinart blanc de blancs gives way to Dom Pérignon as small bites from oysters with Champagne foam to potato purée with white truffle and egg yolk arrive before you.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
  • Partita takes a poem that vibrates with political energy and domesticates it, sapping this very famous verse of its revolutionary bite.
    — Sam Worley, Vulture, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of bite
Noun
  • To continue to compete at the cutting edge, OpenAI needs to keep raising cash.
    — Alyson Shontell, Fortune, 5 Oct. 2026
  • The quick short corner surprised Greenville (6-16-5), and Barea hit the edge of the 18-yard box before lifting a cross to the far post.
    — Idaho Statesman, Idaho Statesman, 4 Oct. 2026
Definition of edge
Noun
  • Okereke himself, who was the one called for the unnecessary roughness penalty, was disappointed but resolute postgame.
    — Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 28 Sep. 2026
  • Broncos linebacker Alex Singleton was fined $11,941 for unnecessary roughness after a late hit on Chiefs rookie running back Emmett Johnson.
    — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 19 Sep. 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 9 Oct. 2026.

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