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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 The coarsest grades of steel wool can strip paint or varnish and remove rust from surfaces. Abby Wolner, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 May 2025 See the trailer for Cheech & Chong’s Last Movie below (disclaimer: coarse language). Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025 Fine grade or low-scratch scrubbers will help with delicate jobs, while coarse scrubbers can clean cast iron, stone, and even strip paint. Abby Wolner, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 May 2025 Politicians are rewarded for their public performances more than their policy, the media chases scoops and buzzy headlines and the rest of the internet foregrounds outrageous takes and coarse speech. The Dial, 6 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for coarse
Recent Examples of Synonyms for coarse
Adjective
  • The survey examined a minimum of 1,000 comments per team and found less than 1% of posts made by fans of the Dallas Wings contained swear words or vulgar comments.
    Alyssa Cooper, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 May 2025
  • The program was incredibly close-knit—kids practiced most days of the week, and hung out almost exclusively with their fellow All-Stars, as well as with the vulgar, charismatic teacher who structured their lives.
    Air Mail, Air Mail, 3 May 2025
Adjective
  • Venis’s obscene wealth justifies an unbridled narcissism that reflects our worst fears of tech moguls.
    Andrew Wallenstein, Variety, 28 May 2025
  • In December 2014, a jury convicted Magnotta of first-degree murder, committing an indignity to a human body, publishing obscene material and mailing obscene and indecent material.
    Jessica Sager, People.com, 25 May 2025
Adjective
  • His slightly hoarse, charismatic tone pairs well with soulful timbre, making for a duet that recalls the rugged sheen of early-’00s hip-hop and R&B collaborations.
    Michael Saponara, Billboard, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Like fellow performer Carrie Underwood, Cyrus was met with technical difficulties, and viewers expressed concern over his hoarse voice and at times awkward on-stage behavior.
    Jessica Wang, EW.com, 23 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • The thunder rolled and lightning danced among the jagged peaks as a summer rainstorm soaked the alpine meadows of California’s Sierra Nevada.
    Ernie Cowan, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 May 2025
  • In addition to more glaciers (circa 300) than any other national park in the Lower 48 states, North Cascades boasts dozens of jagged snowy peaks, wild rivers, tranquil lakes, and among the highest biodiversity of any U.S. park.
    Joe Yogerst, Forbes.com, 24 May 2025
Adjective
  • The product was released in 2023 to a poor reception, and discontinued before the company began winding down operations in February.
    Tom Huddleston Jr., CNBC, 24 May 2025
  • The original doesn’t go that deeply into it, but this poor girl was essentially forced to be a teen mom at this time in her life when all of her friends would be graduating high school and dating and thinking about their futures.
    Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 24 May 2025
Adjective
  • The massive 11-story, 404-room resort has a 100,000-square-foot indoor waterpark and a 4.5-acre outdoor lagoon with sandy beaches—that’s in addition to a conference center, family entertainment center, an amphitheater and event lawn, as well as retail shops.
    Anne Roderique-Jones, Travel + Leisure, 24 May 2025
  • This California dream destination sees visitors flock year-round to experience its sandy beaches and vibrant nightlife, but what many may not know is that the city imposes a substantial 15.5% tax on total accommodation bookings.
    Rebecca Ann Hughes, Forbes.com, 24 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
  • Peter Capaldi - Twelfth Doctor From 2014-2017, a gruff and action-ready Peter Capaldi shredded an electric guitar through the TARDIS.
    Richard Edwards, Space.com, 29 May 2025
  • Over a four-decade career that began with a role on Pee-wee’s Playhouse, Lyonne has become known for portraying characters that are gruff but likable, hard-nosed but sympathetic.
    Air Mail, Air Mail, 17 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Coarse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/coarse. Accessed 7 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on coarse

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