1
as in to lick
to strike repeatedly
she was badly roughed up by her boxing partner
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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
-
Flames were licking the upper branches of tall trees.—
Eric Adler,
Kansas City Star,
17 Apr. 2025 -
While investors are licking their wounds from a plunging stock market, and businesses brace for economic fallout, major investment banks are reaping extraordinary profits, according to Wall Street Journal.—
Jack Kelly,
Forbes.com,
16 Apr. 2025
Verb
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After the show premiered, actress Amber Dixon Brenner alleged in a lawsuit that Akil’s husband, Salim, had abused her over the course of their previously unknown, decade-long extramarital affair.—
Jazmine Hughes,
Vulture,
2 May 2025
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In an August 2020 filing, Sura, said Abrego Garcia had kicked and slapped her, as well as verbally abused her.—
Amanda Castro
Hannah Parry,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 May 2025
Verb
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Liv is forced to break up with her human fiancé, Major (Robert Buckley) to avoid infecting him, and becomes estranged from her best friend and roommate Peyton (Aly Michalka), hiding her new zombie nature from both.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
27 Apr. 2025
-
Unfortunately, the cause of the odor is often hidden.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
27 Apr. 2025
Verb
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According to a 2021 report by the Lowy Institute, almost one in five Chinese Australians reported being physically threatened or attacked in the previous year.—
Charlie Campbell,
Time,
29 Apr. 2025
-
The account commonly attacks news publications and posts comments criticizing reporting about Hegseth and the Defense Department.—
Eleanor Watson,
CBS News,
29 Apr. 2025
Verb
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For those interested in exploring opportunities in the legal cannabis space, pounding the pavement can be a heady process.—
Iris Dorbian,
Forbes.com,
25 Apr. 2025
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Russia pounded Kyiv in an hourslong barrage Thursday, killing at least 12 people and injuring 87 in its deadliest assault on the Ukrainian capital since July.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
25 Apr. 2025
Verb
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During a snowstorm outside of Jackson, Wyo., Joel (Pedro Pascal) saves Abby (Dever) from a horde of infected, only to be ambushed.—
Clayton Davis,
Variety,
21 Apr. 2025
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But despite the multiple sanctions, the gangs have grown stronger, ambushing and attacking police and soldiers, firing on U.S. embassy vehicles and forcing Haitians, as recently as Thursday night, to flee their burning homes.—
Jacqueline Charles,
Miami Herald,
18 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Foot at head-height, his hamstring clearly fixed, the Dutchman lashed it over his own shoulder into the net.—
Jacob Whitehead,
New York Times,
1 May 2025
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Continue reading … 'NUMEROUS QUESTIONS' – China lashes out, levels accusation against the US over COVID-19 origins.—
,
FOXNews.com,
1 May 2025
Verb
-
Grant manhandled weaker offensive linemen in college, but there are concerns about his game translating to the NFL.—
Arick Wierson,
MSNBC Newsweek,
16 Apr. 2025
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Brito looked completely out of his depth as he was manhandled en route to a lopsided loss.—
Brian Mazique,
Forbes.com,
5 Apr. 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 6 May. 2025.
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