rugged

adjective

ˈrə-gəd How to pronounce rugged (audio)
Definition of ruggednext
1
as in sturdy
able to withstand hardship, strain, or exposure a rugged construction that survived for hundreds of years

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2
as in tough
difficult to endure the incredibly rugged conditions that the polar explorers faced

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3
as in gruff
harsh and threatening in manner or appearance the warrior's rugged features frightened the child

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4
as in muscular
having muscles capable of exerting great physical force a rugged athlete who's competing in weight lifting in the Olympics

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5
as in jagged
not having a level or smooth surface rugged terrain that made for slow going

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6
as in difficult
requiring considerable physical or mental effort even more rugged than most ultramarathons, this one crosses a desert

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7
as in turbulent
marked by turmoil or disturbance especially of natural elements New Hampshire's Mount Washington has some of the ruggedest weather in all of North America

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8
as in crass
lacking in refinement or good taste the kind of rugged humor that men have traditionally enjoyed at stag parties

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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective rugged contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of rugged are harsh, rough, scabrous, and uneven. While all these words mean "not smooth or even," rugged implies irregularity or roughness of land surface and connotes difficulty of travel.

a rugged landscape

When would harsh be a good substitute for rugged?

The meanings of harsh and rugged largely overlap; however, harsh implies a surface or texture distinctly unpleasant to the touch.

a harsh fabric that chafes the skin

When might rough be a better fit than rugged?

The words rough and rugged are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, rough implies points, bristles, ridges, or projections on the surface.

a rough wooden board

When can scabrous be used instead of rugged?

The synonyms scabrous and rugged are sometimes interchangeable, but scabrous implies scaliness or prickliness of surface.

a scabrous leaf

When is it sensible to use uneven instead of rugged?

While the synonyms uneven and rugged are close in meaning, 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 rugged This rugged island has cliff paths leading to the old pilot lookout, and sheltered coves. — Natasha Langan, TheWeek, 29 Sep. 2026 Plus, the rugged lug sole wedge heel gives you a little extra height without the pain many heeled booties bring, and multiple reviewers rave about their comfort and support. — Julia Morlino, Travel + Leisure, 28 Sep. 2026 Available in a dozen colors, this jacket has a timeless but rugged style and features four pockets for your essentials. — Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 25 Sep. 2026 It’s made from a blend of cotton and recycled cotton, which gives it a slightly rugged feel. — Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 24 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for rugged
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rugged
  1. sturdy
  2. tough
  3. gruff
  4. muscular
  5. jagged
  6. difficult
  7. turbulent
  8. crass
Adjective
  • Despite these headwinds, the labor market has proven sturdy so far this year.
    — Max Zahn, ABC News, 2 Oct. 2026
  • But once assembly was complete the pit was very sturdy, and my wife and I were easily able to carry it between my porch and a crushed-stone section of my backyard that usually holds a firepit, trying it in both places.
    — Noah Kaufman, Architectural Digest, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of sturdy
Adjective
  • Now, Germino says her social media presence is all about giving other patients going through the same tough decision an example of someone who’s thriving after the procedure.
    — Kara McGrath, Allure, 6 Oct. 2026
  • Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu's administration is about to start tough budget negotiations against a backdrop of division and economic turmoil.
    — Chloe Taylor,Jenni Reid, CNBC, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of tough
Adjective
  • We were taught by a gruff cockney called Fred Waring, who had participated in the D-Day landings in a regiment that had fought its way across Europe towards Berlin and liberated the concentration camp at Belsen.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 21 Sep. 2026
  • His only hope to get home turns out to be Nick (Kenneth Branagh), a gruff ex-KGB agent who loves American pop culture and is really good in a fight.
    — Brian Truitt, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of gruff
Adjective
  • An actor known for his macho presence and muscular physique, Sylvester Stallone does not fit the stereotype of a person with an eating disorder.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 4 Oct. 2026
  • Even among participants who did not engage in exercise or dietary changes, daily creatine supplementation increased lean tissue mass and improved muscular strength and endurance, according to the study.
    — Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of muscular
Adjective
  • These edges can therefore appear jagged or stair-stepped, an effect called aliasing.
    — Aman Kumar, Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 Sep. 2026
  • Video filmed by Tubasi’s son and shared with CNN shows debris scattered on the floor, doors and appliances smashed and walls left with large, jagged holes.
    — Zeena Saifi, CNN Money, 29 Sep. 2026
Definition of jagged
Adjective
  • Finding people at high risk of incubating the Bundibugyo virus, also known as contact tracing, has proved difficult in Congo.
    — CONSTANT SAME BAGALWA, Arkansas Online, 4 Oct. 2026
  • McKinsey’s data says some of those moves can be difficult for certain workers.
    — Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 3 Oct. 2026
Definition of difficult
Adjective
  • While introducing his new film, Gilroy praised the festival’s lineup as a bright spot amid an increasingly turbulent Hollywood landscape.
    — Antonio Ferme, Variety, 3 Oct. 2026
  • Given today's turbulent prices, don't read too much into MSRPs for products like graphics cards in 2026.
    — Michael Justin Allen Sexton, PC Magazine, 3 Oct. 2026
Definition of turbulent
Adjective
  • But the fashionable-at-the-time nakedness of the YBAs’ desire for money, most completely embodied by Hirst, quickly became crass.
    — Eliza Goodpasture, ARTnews.com, 5 Oct. 2026
  • Murdoch is thick-skinned and accustomed to being underestimated by the condescending Brits, who see him as a crass interloper.
    — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of crass

Browse Nearby Words

rug
rugged
ruggedness
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Cite this Entry

“Rugged.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rugged. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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