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
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for harshness
Noun
-
Type 2 diabetes treatments can vary based on the severity of your condition, your lifestyle, and your overall health.—
Julia Ries,
Health,
9 Apr. 2025 -
In some studies, Vitamin A has been shown to reduce the severity of measles and the risk of death from the virus — but these studies were among highly malnourished populations in low-income countries.—
Sara Moniuszko,
CBS News,
8 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
The fight ends with Shauna taking a bite out of Melissa’s arm, pinning her down and demanding Melissa eat her own flesh.—
Jackie Strause,
HollywoodReporter,
28 Mar. 2025
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On Saturday, March 29, the northeastern United States and Canada will witness a partial solar eclipse in the early hours of the day, according to Space.com, presenting a spectacle that will look as if the moon took a bite out of the sun.—
Eric Lagatta,
USA Today,
27 Mar. 2025
Noun
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The brass hardware gives it a hint of an edge to balance out the rustic wood, while the scalloped details on the doors adds some whimsy to the mix.—
Bailey Berg,
Architectural Digest,
4 Apr. 2025
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According to Nobel prize-winning economist, Eugene Fama, smaller companies and cheaper companies tend to have an edge over larger, more expensive companies over time.—
Cicely Jones,
Forbes.com,
4 Apr. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Harshness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/harshness. Accessed 15 Apr. 2025.
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