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 next

as in grained

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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 Similar to sandpaper, steel wool has various grades to choose from—ranging from super fine to extra coarse. —

Halee Miller Van Ryswyk, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Jan. 2025 Key Ingredients: Sunflower seed oil, argan oil, squalane Best For: A daily dosage of hydration for medium to coarse hair textures, with the benefits of frizz control and protection against heat damage. —

Kiana Murden, Vogue, 15 Jan. 2025 Put down the fine table salt and choose a coarse or flaked variety instead, sprinkling on top to spread out the granules. —

Abigail Wilt, Southern Living, 30 Dec. 2024 Remove from heat and stir in the coarse salt, making sure it is evenly distributed. —

Kelly Brant, arkansasonline.com, 7 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for coarse

Recent Examples of Synonyms for coarse

Adjective

The footage shows Caldwell calling the nearby Packers fans vulgar and sexist names, while taunting the man accompanying her with explicit gestures.

— Jackson Thompson, Fox News, 18 Jan. 2025
Michael Thomas Lewis, 55, let out multiple outbursts during his first appearance in court since he was arrested over the weekend and accused of making a series of vulgar, threatening online statements at Clark, the Indiana Fever superstar.

— Samira Puskar, NBC News, 14 Jan. 2025