Definition of coarsenext
1
2
3
4
5
6

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 Two brushes are included in this set, both featuring coarse and soft bristles. Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 24 Apr. 2026 Kosher salt, with its larger, coarser crystals, takes its name from its role in the koshering process—a Jewish culinary tradition of drawing blood from meat before cooking. Anne Wolf, Martha Stewart, 23 Apr. 2026 Use a mandolin — Jordan uses a Benriner (Japanese mandolin) with a thin, coarse attachment — or a manual spiralizer. Caron Golden, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Apr. 2026 Combine the coarse salt and fine salt with the spice mix, then add the flour. Kelly McCarthy, ABC News, 17 Apr. 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
Adjective
  • The word was considered so vulgar that it was left out of early dictionaries and was rarely printed, though Adams says people were certainly using it.
    Harmeet Kaur, CNN Money, 8 Apr. 2026
  • One day, Dahlstrom made a vulgar joke in a lunchroom referencing oral sex and pubic hair, according to the employee.
    Nick Ferraro, Twin Cities, 4 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • For instance, the ruling recognized that the government’s need to protect national security might require it to prevent publication of the number and location of troops and that the primary requirements of decency might require censorship of obscene publications.
    Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 29 Apr. 2026
  • Bounds said this gives the mayor the power to intervene when a member of the public engages in obscene speech or in speech intended to incite others in the room.
    Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • His usually peppy voice is hoarse.
    Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 26 Apr. 2026
  • The quality of a live show, especially one from a legacy band like Journey, comes down to whether the fans leave satisfied: If diehards and casuals alike walk out of the building with grins and hoarse voices from singing along to the big numbers, that’s a successful outing.
    Heather Bushman, IndyStar, 18 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The plane hitting the water is destructive enough without the help of a jagged coral reef (improbably far from any coastline) slicing through the aircraft’s undercarriage.
    David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 28 Apr. 2026
  • Known for their jagged peaks, glacial lakes, and vast icefields, the Canadian Rockies are among the world’s most stunning mountain ranges, forming a natural divide between Alberta and British Columbia.
    Taryn White, Travel + Leisure, 27 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Injuries to key players on the Amazin’s contributed to some poor numbers as well.
    Fiifi Frimpong, New York Daily News, 28 Apr. 2026
  • Although poor students are disproportionately likely to receive special education in New York City, well-off disabled kids are the ones most acutely driving up the budget.
    Marc Novicoff, The Atlantic, 28 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Using an electric mixer on medium-high speed, beat ¾ cup (150 g) sugar and ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature, in a medium bowl until creamy, about 5 minutes (mixture will be quite sandy at first, then become creamier).
    Shilpa Uskokovic, Bon Appetit Magazine, 28 Apr. 2026
  • In Tazewell County, Illinois, Michael Deppert depends on a natural pool of water beneath the sandy soils of his farm to irrigate the pumpkins, corn, and soybeans growing in his fields.
    Jonathan M. Gitlin, ArsTechnica, 28 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Plastic trinkets and graffiti, television sets and bumper stickers, road signs and wigs—many might describe these items as disposable culture, signs of America’s crass habit of regarding anything as art.
    Hua Hsu, The Atlantic, 28 Apr. 2026
  • Alas, Deborah’s crass attempt to extort her fans immediately goes sideways.
    Jessica M. Goldstein, Vulture, 17 Apr. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Coarse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/coarse. Accessed 1 May. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on coarse

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster