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Synonym Chooser

How is the word coarse different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of coarse are gross, obscene, ribald, and vulgar. While all these words mean "offensive to good taste or morals," coarse implies roughness, rudeness, or crudeness of spirit, behavior, or language.

found the coarse humor of coworkers offensive

When can gross be used instead of coarse?

The words gross and coarse can be used in similar contexts, but gross implies extreme coarseness and insensitiveness.

gross eating habits

When could obscene be used to replace coarse?

While the synonyms obscene and coarse are close in meaning, obscene applies to anything strongly repulsive to the sense of decency and propriety especially in sexual matters.

obscene language not allowed on the air

Where would ribald be a reasonable alternative to coarse?

The meanings of ribald and coarse largely overlap; however, ribald applies to what is amusingly or picturesquely vulgar or irreverent or mildly indecent.

entertained the campers with ribald folk songs

When might vulgar be a better fit than coarse?

The words vulgar and coarse are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, vulgar often implies boorishness or ill-breeding.

a loud vulgar belch

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 coarse Original price: $13.99 Try the famous TikTok MONDAY Haircare MOISTURE Shampoo and Conditioner to hydrate, revitalize and smooth dry, brittle or coarse hair. Nora Colomer May Earn A Commission If You Buy Through Our Referral Links. This Content Was Created By A Team That Works Independently From The Fox Newsroom., FOXNews.com, 30 Apr. 2025 Meanwhile, online fan discourse has been predictably coarse. Joe Rexrode, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2025 For fine curls, go with a lightweight and water-based option; for thick, coarse curls, cream-based with butters and oils is best, says Chantell Carrtherol, a professional hairstylist and curl specialist. Malia Griggs, Glamour, 2 May 2025 Both models cost less than $200 and are ideal for pet owners that need a vacuum cleaner that can handle coarse fur, hair, and of course, hairballs. Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for coarse
Recent Examples of Synonyms for coarse
Adjective
  • Climate change vandals spray-painted a Tesla car dealership in Manhattan on Tuesday to protest Elon Musk’s work with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), but as police arrived, the activists could be seen cleaning off some of the vulgar writing.
    Michael Dorgan, FOXNews.com, 22 Apr. 2025
  • Two of the protesters are facing counts including obstructing a law enforcement officer and simple battery on a law enforcement officer, while a third has been charged with using vulgar language, according to Acworth police.
    Jessica Schladebeck, New York Daily News, 16 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The investigation began when detectives with the Sheriff’s Office Special Victims Unit served a search warrant in Bakersfield based on a tip about a person who was in possession and used obscene material involving an underage girl, authorities announced in a news release on Tuesday.
    Nathan Solis, Los Angeles Times, 6 May 2025
  • With his plea, a federal indictment relating to transfer of obscene material to a minor would not be pursued.
    Nick Ferraro, Twin Cities, 5 May 2025
Adjective
  • Even if some still lament his distinct hoarse voice and, at times, indifference to showmanship.
    Jake Goodrick, Sacbee.com, 15 May 2025
  • What's Wrong with RFK Jr.'s Voice? Kennedy's voice has been a defining feature of his public appearances for more than a decade, characterized by a strained, hoarse, and tremulous quality.
    Kate Nalepinski, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 May 2025
Adjective
  • Grok 3: The wind howled through the jagged spires of the Frostfang Reaches, carrying a chill that bit deeper than any blade, and Ser Willem Cray felt its teeth in his bones.
    Kelsey Piper, Vox, 12 May 2025
  • For the next hour or so, several of them will summit various routes along the cliff's steep, jagged face.
    Sean Clancy, Arkansas Online, 12 May 2025
Adjective
  • Mikal Bridges and Karl-Anthony Towns each added 23 points and OG Anunoby bounced back from two poor performances by scoring 20 for the Knicks, who can win the series Wednesday night at Boston.
    Brian Mahoney, Baltimore Sun, 13 May 2025
  • Boston built big second-half leads on New York in both Games 1 and 2 at home, but squandered them due to uncharacteristically poor 3-point shooting.
    Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 May 2025
Adjective
  • Bryan Cranston doled out $2.5 million back in 2007 for a 1940s bungalow along the northern edge of Southern California’s Ventura County coastline, primarily for its secluded stretch of sandy beach and endless ocean views.
    Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 9 May 2025
  • Originally built in 1928, the home sits on an elevated 1.11-acre land bluff with 200 feet of private sandy beach space.
    Soo Kim, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 May 2025
Adjective
  • Related Articles Dear Abby: Is there a way to tell the crass shirttail relations that they’re not invited?
    Jeanne Phillips, Mercury News, 10 May 2025
  • Grand Theft Auto is famous for its crass, satirical sense of humor.
    Jordan Minor, PC Magazine, 6 May 2025
Adjective
  • The rest of the film takes place in a prison, where Henry’s gruff but philosophical cellmate, Gene (Shia LaBeouf), tries to teach him the ways of the world.
    Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 30 Apr. 2025
  • Fimmel digs into the more stereotypical gruff bounty hunter with relish, though the character itself is a western staple.
    Pete Hammond, Deadline, 1 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Coarse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/coarse. Accessed 22 May. 2025.

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