Definitions

rough-and-tumble

[ruhf-uhn-tuhm-buhl] / ˈrʌf ənˈtʌm bəl /

ADJECTIVE

rough; disorderly

Synonyms

STRONGEST

disorderly rough rugged strenuous tempestuous turbulent

STRONG

buffeting dry grating husky knockabout rasping tough wild

WEAK

agitated blustering blustery boisterous cacophonous choppy coarse discordant furious gruff harsh hoarse inclement inharmonious jarring raging raucous squally stridulent tumultuous unmusical

Antonyms

STRONGEST

calm easy facile gentle mild moderate

STRONG

controllable delicate

NOUN

rough, unrestrained fighting

Synonyms

STRONGEST

fighting infighting rumble struggle

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.

Davey Lopes rose from a rough-and-tumble Rhode Island upbringing to become the Dodgers’ leadoff batter and second baseman as part of a historic infield from 1973-1981.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 16, 2026

The best proof of the Pistons’ rough-and-tumble bona fides comes from the admiration they’ve won from the crosstown hockey club.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 4, 2026

Yet to many he was best experienced onstage, where he’d thread his songs into a kind of running monologue about his rough-and-tumble life.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 15, 2025

Abstraction meets landscape; painterly application meets rough-and-tumble applications.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 31, 2025

I found myself smack between Chase and Mattie and the three rough-and-tumble boys chasing them.

From "Hattie Big Sky" by Kirby Larson

rough-and-tumble

Example Sentences

Related Words