Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Definitions

coarse

[kawrs, kohrs] / kɔrs, koʊrs /
ADJECTIVE
not fine, rude
Synonyms
STRONGEST
bawdy boorish crass crude dirty gruff nasty obscene off-color raw ribald rude scatological vulgar
WEAK
base blue brutish cheap common down and dirty earthy filthy foul foul-mouthed gross immodest impolite improper impure incult indelicate inelegant loutish low lowbred mean offensive raffish raunchy rough roughneck smutty tacky uncivil uncouth uncultivated uncultured unrefined vulgarian
Antonyms
STRONGEST
chaste clean decent happy kind moral nice pleasant polished polite pure refined sophisticated upright
WEAK
delicate gentle smooth soft
ADJECTIVE
rough, unrefined
Synonyms
STRONGEST
crude grainy harsh
WEAK
chapped coarse-grained granular homespun impure inferior loose lumpy mediocre particulate poor quality rough-hewn rugged unfinished unpolished unprocessed unpurified
Antonyms
STRONGEST
gentle nice
WEAK
delicate polite refined smooth soft sophisticated

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Once sliced, the tomatoes are dipped in flour, then in eggs and, finally, in coarse cornmeal before they are fried to golden-brown perfection.

From Salon • Apr. 6, 2026

WSJ | Buy Side: We tested some of the most popular hair dryers on coarse curls and fine straight hair.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 28, 2026

He also hinted that he was not really enjoying the job or the coarse civic culture of our current moment.

From Slate • Feb. 13, 2026

“I think it’s spawned by a little bit of a—this is kind of a coarse term—but a dash for trash,” he said.

From Barron's • Feb. 11, 2026

Each put on a coarse straw bonnet, with strings of coloured calico, and a cloak of grey frieze.

From "Jane Eyre" by Charlotte Brontë

Vocabulary lists containing coarse

The New SAT: Words to Capture Tone

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

The SAT: Words to Capture Tone, List 6

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

"Of Mice and Men"

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!