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
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The National Electronic Injury Surveillance System relied on contractors reviewing thousands of ER records and categorizing them by cause, including motor vehicle accidents, adverse drug events, firearms, drownings, poisoning, dog bites.—
Will Stone,
NPR,
21 Apr. 2025
-
More: Climate risk will take trillion-dollar bite out of America's real estate, report finds What are the origins of Earth Day?—
Julia Gomez,
USA Today,
21 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Roberts has played several positions across the defensive front but has been primarily an edge defender.—
Mike DeFabo,
New York Times,
14 Apr. 2025
-
The Karman Line, located 62 miles above Earth, demarcates the edge of space.—
Greg Wehner,
FOXNews.com,
14 Apr. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Harshness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/harshness. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.
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