1
as in sturdy
able to withstand hardship, strain, or exposure
a rugged construction that survived for hundreds of years
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in tough
difficult to endure
the incredibly rugged conditions that the polar explorers faced
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in gruff
harsh and threatening in manner or appearance
the warrior's rugged features frightened the child
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in muscular
having muscles capable of exerting great physical force
a rugged athlete who's competing in weight lifting in the Olympics
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in jagged
not having a level or smooth surface
rugged terrain that made for slow going
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
6
as in difficult
requiring considerable physical or mental effort
even more rugged than most ultramarathons, this one crosses a desert
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
8
as in crass
lacking in refinement or good taste
the kind of rugged humor that men have traditionally enjoyed at stag parties
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 rugged
Accessing the fire in the remote, rugged area has presented a challenge.
—
Karen Kucher, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 June 2025
Its rugged, waterproof build is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts, while add-on lenses enhance versatility for content creators.
—Shubham Yewale, PC Magazine, 17 June 2025
While the helicopter arrivals christened with champagne and oysters are a far cry from the chalet’s humble mountain hut beginnings, the legacy of rugged adventure remains.
—Chloe Berge, Outside Online, 17 June 2025
The unexpected combination of rugged Western elements with sleek swimwear created a striking contrast that resonated with the fashion-forward crowd.
—Cassell Ferere, Forbes.com, 7 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for rugged
Karen Kucher, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 June 2025
Its rugged, waterproof build is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts, while add-on lenses enhance versatility for content creators.
—Shubham Yewale, PC Magazine, 17 June 2025
While the helicopter arrivals christened with champagne and oysters are a far cry from the chalet’s humble mountain hut beginnings, the legacy of rugged adventure remains.
—Chloe Berge, Outside Online, 17 June 2025
The unexpected combination of rugged Western elements with sleek swimwear created a striking contrast that resonated with the fashion-forward crowd.
—Cassell Ferere, Forbes.com, 7 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for rugged
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rugged
Adjective
-
The tune, a collaboration with Bruno Mars — whose presence surely helped the cut not only become a high-rising win but also a sturdy one — has now spent 34 weeks on the competitive tally.—
Hugh McIntyre,
Forbes.com,
18 June 2025
-
The film, which lands in theaters June 27 before a streaming release on Apple TV+, is a deft addition to a sturdy lineage of motorsport flicks, from Rush and Gran Turismo to Ford v Ferrari and, most recently, Ferrari.—
Lovia Gyarkye,
HollywoodReporter,
17 June 2025
Adjective
-
Even these young players already have major tournament experience — a huge strength given their tough group.—
Megan Feringa,
New York Times,
28 June 2025
-
Nor is anything that tough necessary to prevent chronic illness.—
Carolyn Rosenblatt,
Forbes.com,
27 June 2025
Adjective
-
Eric Bauman, a gruff and tireless political operative who led two of California’s most powerful Democratic organizations before resigning amid misconduct allegations, died Monday.—
Laura J. Nelson,
Los Angeles Times,
18 June 2025
-
Cross-examination from the defense’s gruff Xavier Donaldson will continue first thing Tuesday when the trial picks up again.—
Dominic Patten,
Deadline,
12 May 2025
Adjective
-
Leading clinicians are combining pharmacologic tools with root-cause strategies, starting with metabolic health, hormone balance, nervous system regulation and muscular integrity.—
Ximena Araya-Fischel,
Forbes.com,
26 June 2025
-
Speaking to reporters at an event in Tampa, DeSantis touted the state’s muscular approach to immigration enforcement and its willingness to help President Trump’s administration meet its goal of more than doubling its existing 41,000 beds for detaining migrants to at least 100,000 beds.—
Kate Payne,
Los Angeles Times,
25 June 2025
Adjective
-
When Squid Game first flung us into its arena of despair, questioning the status quo was the series’ fuel, and its narrative rhythm had the jagged urgency of that initial run of Red Light, Green Light.—
Roxana Hadadi,
Vulture,
27 June 2025
-
Another photo features a marshal with a long-range precision rifle mounted on a bipod, stationed on jagged ground with dramatic peaks in the backdrop.—
Julia Bonavita,
FOXNews.com,
24 June 2025
Adjective
-
This moderately difficult, half-mile trail through the Mission Hills Open Space, is located across from Pioneer Park.—
Maura Fox,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
23 June 2025
-
Following the loss of their family home, the couple was surrounded by the love and support of friends and family who stepped up to help them during this difficult time.—
Clea Haran,
Parents,
23 June 2025
Adjective
-
Even Zelensky – who has had a turbulent relationship with Trump – came away with wins.—
Joseph Ataman,
CNN Money,
25 June 2025
-
Reina, Fil-Am team center back, brings us on this turbulent journey, culminating in an intimate trip to her grandmother’s hometown in the Philippines.—
Matthew Carey,
Deadline,
25 June 2025
Adjective
-
Most Popular Most Popular Asking Eric: The parents refuse to cut their trip short despite their teen’s crisis Asking Eric: The parents refuse to cut their trip short despite their teen's crisis Dear Abby: Is there a way to tell the crass shirttail relations that they’re not invited?—
Nathan Canilao,
Mercury News,
10 May 2025
-
But beyond the crass remarks about Read, experts say less explosive messages about Proctor's early opinions of the investigation could be damning.—
Julia Bonavita , Michael Ruiz,
FOXNews.com,
3 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Rugged.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rugged. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share