1
as in to lick
to strike repeatedly
she was badly roughed up by her boxing partner
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in to abuse
to abuse physically
the photographer claimed that he had been roughed up by the actor's bodyguards outside the club
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rough (up)
Verb
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Aretha started singing some deep gospel licks that — especially when heard up close — were powerful and dramatic.—
David Browne,
Rolling Stone,
5 Mar. 2025 -
The video was followed by a black-and-white photo of Hobbs licking the Moana star's face and a clip of him playfully biting his hand.—
Gabrielle Rockson,
People.com,
25 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Her defense attorney, Jose Baez, dropped the bombshell accusation that Casey had been abused by her father, implying that this explained her string of lies and her willingness to protect him.—
Aja Romano,
Vox,
4 Mar. 2025
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For too long, as alleged in the Complaint, the Board has abused its power, violating Florida law and its own governing documents while gaslighting members who invest millions in memberships and annual dues.—
Madeleine Marr,
Miami Herald,
4 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
Risen delivers a marvellous account of the Hiss case, with its many plot twists, involving accusations about a fake typewriter, microfilm hidden in a pumpkin, and the intricacies of ornithology.—
Beverly Gage,
The New Yorker,
10 Mar. 2025
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Of course anyone familiar with Cave, whose directorial debut Fresh established her as a filmmaker to watch, will know that Fred, the town’s ophthalmologist, is certainly hiding a secret.—
Lovia Gyarkye,
The Hollywood Reporter,
10 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Despite losing all three, there were significant improvements collectively and individually, with contributions from attacking starlets Nico Paz, who scored against Atalanta, and Diao, who got the equaliser against Juventus.—
David Ferrini,
Forbes,
28 Feb. 2025
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The case, which generated headlines around the world, comes amid rising hostility against Muslims and Palestinians in the U.S. since Hamas attacked Israel in October 2023.—
Sophia Tareen and Melissa Perez Winder,
Los Angeles Times,
28 Feb. 2025
Verb
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My heart started pounding a little after Sigmon's lawyer read his final statement.—
Jeffrey Collins,
CBS News,
8 Mar. 2025
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The overnight barrage -- which also pounded residences and wounded at least 10 people -- came days after the U.S. suspended military aid and intelligence to Ukraine to pressure it into accepting a peace deal being pushed by the Trump administration.—
arkansasonline.com,
arkansasonline.com,
8 Mar. 2025
Verb
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The rapper was ambushed while taking a shower and the robbers sought cash along with expensive jewelry.—
Marina Watts,
People.com,
24 Feb. 2025
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They are ambushed by a vengeful crew and forced into bomb vests, compelled to commit a series of increasingly dangerous missions under threat of detonation.—
Matt Grobar,
Deadline,
13 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Even before that, Trump has lashed out at Ukraine, blaming its leaders for Putin’s invasion and occupation of their country.—
Joey Garrison,
USA TODAY,
3 Mar. 2025
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Teens are notorious for being unable to reconcile internal feelings of guilt and shame and, not knowing what to do with the discomfort, lashing out at an external source.—
Erin Qualey,
Vulture,
28 Feb. 2025
Verb
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After manhandling the Atlanta Braves last year, the Washington Nationals earned the respect of the opposing manager.—
Dan Schlossberg,
Forbes,
1 Mar. 2025
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Additionally, the Chiefs need to rebuild an offensive line that was manhandled by Philadelphia in the Super Bowl.—
Peter Sblendorio,
New York Daily News,
19 Feb. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Rough (up).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rough%20%28up%29. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.
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