raw 1 of 2

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as in crude
being such as found in nature and not altered by processing or refining raw sugar is honey-colored because the crystals retain cane juices, minerals, and other impurities that haven't been refined out

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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as in biting
causing intense discomfort to one's skin bundle up if you're going sailing, as there's a raw wind out there in the bay

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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raw

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noun

as in nudity
the state of having no clothes on one's body a secluded swimming hole where we could swim in the raw

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective raw differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of raw are crude, rough, and rude. While all these words mean "lacking in social refinement," raw suggests being untested, inexperienced, or unfinished.

turning raw youths into polished performers

When might crude be a better fit than raw?

The words crude and raw can be used in similar contexts, but crude may apply to thought or behavior limited to the gross, the obvious, or the primitive.

a crude joke

When could rough be used to replace raw?

The meanings of rough and raw largely overlap; however, rough is likely to stress lack of polish and gentleness.

rough manners

When is rude a more appropriate choice than raw?

The words rude and raw are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, rude implies ignorance of or indifference to good form; it may suggest intentional discourtesy.

rude behavior

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 raw
Adjective
McClelland's argument suggests that the competition between human and artificial intelligence may be less about raw computational power and more about fundamental differences in how information is processed and creativity emerges. Josipa Majic Predin, Forbes.com, 24 July 2025 There’s a raw, creative energy in the Colombian film scene right now that’s impossible to ignore. Anna Marie De La Fuente, Variety, 23 July 2025
Noun
So, here’s NFL moneyball in the raw. Jarrett Bell, USA TODAY, 23 Mar. 2022 Raw beef stored above raw shelled eggs, crab and shrimp. Ebony Day, azcentral, 4 Mar. 2020 See All Example Sentences for raw
Recent Examples of Synonyms for raw
Adjective
  • Use Rice Or Flour: The same method of concentrating ethylene gas to ripen fruits more quickly can be used in another way as well—burying fruit in uncooked rice or flour.
    Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 15 July 2025
  • Use pasteurized eggs when any preparing dishes that call for uncooked eggs.
    Jenna Anderson, Health, 27 May 2025
Adjective
  • The essence of the review is evaluation, which of course doesn’t imply the crude simplicity of a thumbs-up or thumbs-down.
    Richard Brody, New Yorker, 24 July 2025
  • Oil prices have been soft this year, with West Texas Intermediate crude futures off about 9% per barrel, and Brent crude futures down 8%.
    Darla Mercado, CFP®, CNBC, 23 July 2025
Adjective
  • All died in the turbulent waters of Lake Michigan while vacationing in South Haven, where public outrage over the lack of lifeguards has been building.
    Tresa Baldas, Freep.com, 21 July 2025
  • Wander the ruins of Cristóvão de Moura’s palace, a poignant echo of Portugal’s turbulent entanglement with Spanish rule.
    Lewis Nunn, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025
Adjective
  • For an Austin audience, this data center conflict resonates with a chilling familiarity.
    Ana Gutierrez, Austin American Statesman, 11 July 2025
  • The dinosaurs revert to instinct and viciously attack humans, thereby creating chilling suspense for audiences.
    Blake D. Morant, Forbes.com, 8 July 2025
Adjective
  • There is a place to scamper inside to escape the biting winds at Nordkapp — a visitor center with a coffee shop, theater, small museum and continental Europe’s northernmost post office.
    Dan Fellner, AZCentral.com, 6 July 2025
  • Share the research from 30 years ago that concludes these devices do not significantly reduce mosquito or biting insect populations.
    Markis Hill, Kansas City Star, 4 July 2025
Adjective
  • Homelessness is still rampant — and the idea of homeownership feels like a cruel joke to the many millions of households in the Golden State with income far higher than the national median of $75,000.
    U T Editorial Board, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 July 2025
  • With both systems under one leader, speculation is rampant that Broward’s two health districts will merge.
    Cindy Krischer Goodman, Sun Sentinel, 17 July 2025
Adjective
  • Meteor showers are best observed with the naked eye, with a telescope or binoculars a poor choice.
    Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 16 July 2025
  • As the name indicates, these insects are nearly impossible to see with your naked eye.
    Jenna Prestininzi, Freep.com, 15 July 2025
Adjective
  • Though flats are not her favorite shoe silhouette, Dr. Hubbard highly recommends these Vionic ballet flats for their rare blend of style and support.
    Toni Sutton, People.com, 20 July 2025
  • Scher— who had one of Monk’s rare autographs on his Palo Alto program — agreed.
    David Kushner, Rolling Stone, 20 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Raw.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/raw. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.

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