COARSE Synonyms: 401 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

coarse

adjective

ˈkȯrs

Definition of coarse

as in grained

made up of large particles coarse rock salt was sprinkled on the icy walkway

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in vulgar

lacking in refinement or good taste the hockey player's coarse manners turned his date off completely

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in obscene

depicting or referring to sexual matters in a way that is unacceptable in polite society offended by the coarse humor at the celebrity roast

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in hoarse

harsh and dry in sound a coarse laugh

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in jagged

not having a level or smooth surface the coarse surface of the sandpaper

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in poor

of low quality coarse imitations of quality merchandise

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 Instead of flammable mulch like bark or wood chips, use lava stone or coarse gravel around any shrubbery that is within 5 feet of the structure. — Sarah Perkel, USA Today, 21 Aug. 2026 As estrogen falls while testosterone continues circulating, once-fine facial hairs can become coarser and more noticeable. — Emily Cegielski, Flow Space, 18 Aug. 2026 Suddenly, her parents’ cheerful transparency—their coarse jokes, their eagerness to name things that should not be named—appeared to Nidhi in a faintly embarrassing light. — Madhuri Vijay, New Yorker, 16 Aug. 2026 While those with thick or coarse hair may be able to wash their hair less often than those with fine hair, Kingsley recommends going no more than four days in between washes. — Rebecca Norris, InStyle, 16 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for coarse

Recent Examples of Synonyms for coarse

Adjective

The brand’s classic coats were joined by handsome bomber jackets in grained leather or suede, cocooning puffers and enveloping shearling jackets and stoles that were lined with contrasting napa for extra luxe.

— Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 2 Mar. 2026

Definition of grained

Adjective

More than 3,000 shows and a sizable cult following later, The Dark Room has evolved into a choose-your-own-adventure live action video game, presided over by Robertson as its obscene, merciless and incredibly quick-witted host.

— Rebecca Rosman, NPR, 31 Aug. 2026
The law is aimed at prohibiting children from obtaining books and movies with obscene content.

— Joseph Flaherty, Arkansas Online, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of obscene

Adjective

Ragged, jagged or fluffy edges point to a Bristol Type 6 stool, meaning waste moved through the colon too fast for water to be absorbed properly.

— Hanna Wickes, Sacbee.com, 29 Aug. 2026
Nepal is a country of jagged, towering peaks with sheer slopes sweeping down to narrow valleys, cut through by powerful rivers.

— Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of jagged

Adjective

Dozens of companies have withdrawn over the past decades due to poor profits, an uncertain business outlook and concerns about harm to their reputations from making arms, especially lethal weapons.

— Mia Osmonbekov, Fortune, 31 Aug. 2026
Along the way, the audience can expect tons of humiliation, terrible second prizes, and the guarantee that Robertson will turn at least one poor soul's wrong turn into several minutes of unhinged public destruction.

— Rebecca Rosman, NPR, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of poor

Adjective

The soil beneath Oumarou Compaoré's boots is sandy and stony.

— ABC News, ABC News, 1 Sep. 2026
But some coastal advocates say officials need to come to terms with this new reality and embrace long-term efforts to reroute roads, railroad tracks and other infrastructure that would allow sandy beaches to move inland as the sea claims more land.

— Robert Gauthier, Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of sandy

Adjective

Murdoch is thick-skinned and accustomed to being underestimated by the condescending Brits, who see him as a crass interloper.

— David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 2 Sep. 2026
The vulnerability, the crass graffiti, the (lack of) cleanliness, uncomfortable toilet seats—the list of reasons is lengthy.

— Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of crass

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coapts

coarse

coarse-grained

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“Coarse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/coarse. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of coarse

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