Definition of rudenext
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as in crude
being such as found in nature and not altered by processing or refining rude pelts that were sent to Europe to be fashioned into elegant hats and coats

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective rude differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of rude are crude, raw, and rough. While all these words mean "lacking in social refinement," rude implies ignorance of or indifference to good form; it may suggest intentional discourtesy.

rude behavior

Where would crude be a reasonable alternative to rude?

The words crude and rude are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, crude may apply to thought or behavior limited to the gross, the obvious, or the primitive.

a crude joke

When would raw be a good substitute for rude?

In some situations, the words raw and rude are roughly equivalent. However, raw suggests being untested, inexperienced, or unfinished.

turning raw youths into polished performers

When is rough a more appropriate choice than rude?

The synonyms rough and rude are sometimes interchangeable, but rough is likely to stress lack of polish and gentleness.

rough manners

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 rude According to the findings, 65% of respondents do not like phone use during meals, and 42% believe using phones during meals is rude. Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 15 Apr. 2026 And 42% believe using phones during meals is rude. Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 15 Apr. 2026 The letter writer resented that one of her friend’s teenage sons was uncommunicative, seemingly rude and wore headphones at joint family dinners. R. Eric Thomas, Denver Post, 13 Apr. 2026 Pete Hegseth rebukes 'rude' reporter who interrupted Pentagon briefing on Iran. FOXNews.com, 9 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for rude
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rude
Adjective
  • Desmon Yancy, 5th, called the Cottage Grove Avenue store closure disrespectful to the community.
    Lisa Schencker, Chicago Tribune, 1 May 2026
  • Any team with Anthony Edwards on it will have some swagger, but this almost feels like the T-Wolves are being disrespectful to this challenger.
    David Troy, FOXNews.com, 27 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Perugino’s compositions tend to be clumsy in their parallels—two people on the left, two people on the right—and the skin typically looks like candle wax.
    Zachary Fine, New Yorker, 20 Apr. 2026
  • The collapse of the talks wasn’t the fault of bad faith or clumsy diplomacy.
    Farah N. Jan, The Conversation, 14 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • This was a time when roads were primitive, and the need was to link cities with rural areas.
    DP Opinion, Denver Post, 25 Apr. 2026
  • Any set of prime numbers is automatically primitive, because primes have no factors (except themselves and the number one).
    Joseph Howlett, Scientific American, 24 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
Adjective
  • Ashley Johnson and star/executive producer Travis Willingham tee up what's coming for their soft barbarian lady.
    Nick Romano, Entertainment Weekly, 7 Oct. 2025
  • As a benevolent barbarian warrior in the mythical land of Hyrkania, Sonja is enslaved and imprisoned by the ecocidal emperor known as Draygan (Robert Sheehan).
    Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 8 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • The popularity of e-bikes and e-motos has soared since the COVID-19 pandemic, leaving lawmakers and law enforcement scrambling to regulate the bikes that are often used by young riders ignorant or disdainful of the rules of the road.
    Sean Emery, Oc Register, 22 Apr. 2026
  • Trump is either too ignorant or mentally challenged — and dangerous — to continue as president.
    Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 17 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Some do this flippantly, but reader Robin suggested drivers who do this do not care and are flat-out discourteous.
    Doug Turnbull, AJC.com, 11 Jan. 2026
  • In 2014, he was found to have been discourteous and used force.
    Milena Malaver, Miami Herald, 7 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Rotifers, though microscopic, possess specialized systems such as digestive tracts and rudimentary nervous structures, making their long-term survival in a frozen state particularly notable.
    Brittany Miller, FOXNews.com, 25 Apr. 2026
  • His pieces include solid wood chairs with a deliberately rudimentary, almost minimal design, integrating ornamental elements such as marquetry panels or tin bas-reliefs into their backs, legs or seats.
    Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 20 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Rude.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rude. Accessed 2 May. 2026.

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