raw 1 of 2

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as in crude
being such as found in nature and not altered by processing or refining raw sugar is honey-colored because the crystals retain cane juices, minerals, and other impurities that haven't been refined out

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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as in biting
causing intense discomfort to one's skin bundle up if you're going sailing, as there's a raw wind out there in the bay

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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raw

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noun

as in nudity
the state of having no clothes on one's body a secluded swimming hole where we could swim in the raw

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective raw differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of raw are crude, rough, and rude. While all these words mean "lacking in social refinement," raw suggests being untested, inexperienced, or unfinished.

turning raw youths into polished performers

When might crude be a better fit than raw?

The words crude and raw can be used in similar contexts, but crude may apply to thought or behavior limited to the gross, the obvious, or the primitive.

a crude joke

When could rough be used to replace raw?

The meanings of rough and raw largely overlap; however, rough is likely to stress lack of polish and gentleness.

rough manners

When is rude a more appropriate choice than raw?

The words rude and raw are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, rude implies ignorance of or indifference to good form; it may suggest intentional discourtesy.

rude behavior

Examples 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 raw
Adjective
Most are likely unaware of the many dangers drinking raw milk can expose you to. Judy Stone, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024 Wisconsin’s raw milk movement may soon get a boost from President-elect Donald Trump’s pick for Health and Human Services Secretary, despite illness outbreaks and proven public safety risks, Rick Barrett reports. Hope Karnopp, Journal Sentinel, 12 Dec. 2024
Noun
Employee cracked a raw shelled egg with gloved hands then handled a clean plate and kitchen utensils without washing hands between tasks. Ebony Day, azcentral, 25 Dec. 2019 Tim RoneyGetty Images Her 1995 raw, ragey, best-selling album, Jagged Little Pill, spoke to a generation—and inspired a musical of the same name, opening on Broadway this month. Alanis Morissette, Marie Claire, 8 Nov. 2019 See all Example Sentences for raw 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for raw
Adjective
  • However, the 13 photos inside the album were actually of a group of people with a piece of uncooked meat, quite literally, resting on their shoulders.
    Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 6 Dec. 2024
  • Always wash hands after handling uncooked meat, chicken and other poultry, seafood, flour, or eggs.
    Susan Selasky, Detroit Free Press, 26 Oct. 2024
Adjective
  • Given that Ontario is not a major producer of crude oil, Ford’s threat appeared to specifically apply to electricity the United States imports from Canada.
    Matt Egan, CNN, 13 Dec. 2024
  • Canada provides natural gas to the U.S. and roughly 20% of the crude oil used by its southern neighbor.
    Ahmad Mukhtar, CBS News, 12 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Nissan has weathered a turbulent decade, including the 2018 arrest of former boss Carlos Ghosn, who later jumped bail and fled Japan concealed in a music equipment box.
    AFP, Fortune Asia, 23 Dec. 2024
  • President Joe Biden, who has played a less public role in the process throughout a turbulent week, was expected to sign the measure into law Saturday.
    LISA MASCARO, arkansasonline.com, 21 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • For observers who monitor First Amendment issues, the settlement will have a chilling effect.
    Tatiana Siegel, Variety, 18 Dec. 2024
  • Several press freedom groups and media observers told The Hill this week ABC’s decision to settle with Trump could set a dangerous precedent and have a chilling effect on other media companies.
    Dominick Mastrangelo, The Hill, 18 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Her awful journey is a raging scream against the patriarchy and a biting critique of how women are viewed, especially by other women.
    The Week US, theweek, 17 Dec. 2024
  • As playwright, Barbot sits between them, turning the mainstream obscurity of his protagonists into a biting political point, and reflecting poignantly on the long arc of history, which sure seems to take its sweet time bending toward justice.
    Sara Holdren, Vulture, 11 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • The gap in information has left a void, being filled with rampant speculation, including outlandish conspiracy theories.
    Raja Krishnamoorthi, Newsweek, 16 Dec. 2024
  • Worse, outsourcing has become rampant, with high-paying IT jobs migrating to countries like India and Eastern Europe.
    Joel Shulman, Forbes, 15 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Some people spotted the shimmering colors with the naked eye, while others caught the glow with their cameras.
    Joe Spring, Smithsonian Magazine, 20 Dec. 2024
  • And Dexter took pains to cover his tracks, constraining his naked victims in plastic that also covered the kill room, allowing for sterile cleanup.
    Bryan Alexander, USA TODAY, 13 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • While technically true in rare cases, this is thankfully not the norm.
    Alexandra Emanuelli, Southern Living, 22 Dec. 2024
  • Located roughly 150 million light-years from Earth in the constellation Serpens, UGC 10043 is one of the somewhat rare spiral galaxies that are seen edge-on.
    Alan Taylor, The Atlantic, 22 Dec. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near raw

Cite this Entry

“Raw.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/raw. Accessed 27 Dec. 2024.

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