UNEVEN Synonyms: 110 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'uneven' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of uneven are harsh , rough , rugged , and scabrous . While all these words mean "not smooth or even," uneven implies a lack of uniformity in height, breadth, or quality. // an old house with uneven floors

Q: When is 'harsh' a more appropriate choice than 'uneven'?

The synonyms harsh and uneven are sometimes interchangeable, but harsh implies a surface or texture distinctly unpleasant to the touch. // a harsh fabric that chafes the skin

Q: In what contexts can 'rough' take the place of 'uneven'?

While in some cases nearly identical to uneven , rough implies points, bristles, ridges, or projections on the surface. // a rough wooden board

Q: When could 'rugged' be used to replace 'uneven'?

The words rugged and uneven are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, rugged implies irregularity or roughness of land surface and connotes difficulty of travel. // a rugged landscape

Q: When is it sensible to use 'scabrous' instead of 'uneven'?

While the synonyms scabrous and uneven are close in meaning, scabrous implies scaliness or prickliness of surface. // a scabrous leaf

uneven

adjective

ˌən-ˈē-vən

Definition of uneven next

as in jagged

not having a level or smooth surface the driveway is uneven and collects water in several large puddles whenever it rains

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in changing

not staying constant the level of attendance at the ballpark has been very uneven this season

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in crooked

inclined or twisted to one side a goofy guy with an uneven grin

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective uneven contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of uneven are harsh, rough, rugged, and scabrous. While all these words mean "not smooth or even," uneven implies a lack of uniformity in height, breadth, or quality.

an old house with uneven floors

When is harsh a more appropriate choice than uneven?

The synonyms harsh and uneven are sometimes interchangeable, but harsh implies a surface or texture distinctly unpleasant to the touch.

a harsh fabric that chafes the skin

In what contexts can rough take the place of uneven?

While in some cases nearly identical to uneven, rough implies points, bristles, ridges, or projections on the surface.

a rough wooden board

When could rugged be used to replace uneven?

The words rugged and uneven are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, rugged implies irregularity or roughness of land surface and connotes difficulty of travel.

a rugged landscape

When is it sensible to use scabrous instead of uneven?

While the synonyms scabrous and uneven are close in meaning, scabrous implies scaliness or prickliness of surface.

a scabrous leaf

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 uneven Higgins ended up being one of the standouts during Senior Bowl week after an uneven first day of practice. —

Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Feb. 2025 But high sticker prices and uneven insurance coverage skews which patients can get them — and which patients can consistently stay on them. —

Tina Reed, Axios, 11 Feb. 2025 Set a little back on a funky side street, the gallery had uneven floors and the walls were weathered, crumbling, and beautiful. —

Hilton Als, The New Yorker, 11 Feb. 2025 In between there are boats of all sizes and styles, with the Miami sunshine and an uneven market motivating new buyers. —

Michael Verdon, Robb Report, 11 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for uneven

Recent Examples of Synonyms for uneven

Adjective

Sea oats and fir trees dance in the breeze as seagulls squawk in a bright blue sky and the mighty Pacific crashes against the jagged shoreline a few dozen yards away.

— Blane Bachelor, AFAR Media, 12 Feb. 2025
The neck’s jagged base suggests that the head was torn from a larger, perhaps full-length figure, but the sculpture reveals almost no other significant damage.

— Christopher Knight, Los Angeles Times, 11 Feb. 2025