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 The best type of tea to re-steep is anything that starts very potent, or features tea leaves that are on the larger, coarser side, rather than finely ground. — Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Aug. 2026 Basic instructions are to fill your puddler almost to the top with coarse sand. — Joan Morris, Mercury News, 3 Aug. 2026 Using a pastry blender or two knives, cut in butter until coarse crumbs form. — Martha Stewart, 3 Aug. 2026 The potatoes melt into a center of coarse ground beef, deeply savory with a subtle sweetness, and complex with the grassy, herbal brightness of culantro. — Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 30 July 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

Climate Pledge Arena prohibits abusive or obscene language and says violators may be ejected.

— Jackson Thompson OutKick, FOXNews.com, 30 July 2026
These stories were reprinted in Scottish and English botanical texts, and Henrietta would have known about the obscene ideas connected with the mushroom.

— Leah Hudson, Popular Science, 9 July 2026

Definition of obscene

Adjective

Workers also reported hoarse voices, chronic coughs and asthma-like symptoms.

— Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 12 Aug. 2026
When 39 days of elite physical punishment concluded with stadium lights dimming across North America, millions of fans limped away from watch parties with hoarse voices and sore feet.

— Lilian Raji, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026

Definition of hoarse

Adjective

But a little more than a minute after launch, the shuttle exploded, sending jagged plumes across the sky creating an image that would be seared into collective memory.

— Tracy Grant, Encyclopedia Britannica, 7 Aug. 2026
Unlike oyster mushrooms, however, hen of the woods have a darker brown hue and the edges of the mushrooms are more scalloped and jagged than rounded.

— Katie Hill, Outdoor Life, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of jagged

Adjective

But tensions have opened up between data center boosters and some community organizations that want to see more jobs and economic benefits go to local residents, especially predominantly poor Hispanic farm and food processing workers.

— Nathaniel Meyersohn, CNN Money, 11 Aug. 2026
Conventional wisdom usually attributes those failures to changing markets, disruptive competitors, or poor leadership.

— Rodger Dean Duncan, Forbes.com, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of poor

Adjective

Situated along the shores of Lake Michigan, the charming town of Saugatuck is well known for sandy Oval Beach.

— Lindsay Cohn, Travel + Leisure, 9 Aug. 2026
Beyond the saltwater pool, private marina, and pickleball court, the island offers a sandy beach, walking trails, and a collection of practical amenities, including a chicken coop, barn, and several outbuildings.

— Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of sandy

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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 16 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of coarse

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