rugged

adjective

ˈrə-gəd How to pronounce rugged (audio)
Definition of ruggednext
1
as in sturdy
able to withstand hardship, strain, or exposure a rugged construction that survived for hundreds of years

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2
as in tough
difficult to endure the incredibly rugged conditions that the polar explorers faced

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3
as in gruff
harsh and threatening in manner or appearance the warrior's rugged features frightened the child

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4
as in muscular
having muscles capable of exerting great physical force a rugged athlete who's competing in weight lifting in the Olympics

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5
as in jagged
not having a level or smooth surface rugged terrain that made for slow going

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6
as in difficult
requiring considerable physical or mental effort even more rugged than most ultramarathons, this one crosses a desert

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7
as in turbulent
marked by turmoil or disturbance especially of natural elements New Hampshire's Mount Washington has some of the ruggedest weather in all of North America

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8
as in crass
lacking in refinement or good taste the kind of rugged humor that men have traditionally enjoyed at stag parties

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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective rugged contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of rugged are harsh, rough, scabrous, and uneven. While all these words mean "not smooth or even," rugged implies irregularity or roughness of land surface and connotes difficulty of travel.

a rugged landscape

When would harsh be a good substitute for rugged?

The meanings of harsh and rugged largely overlap; however, harsh implies a surface or texture distinctly unpleasant to the touch.

a harsh fabric that chafes the skin

When might rough be a better fit than rugged?

The words rough and rugged are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, rough implies points, bristles, ridges, or projections on the surface.

a rough wooden board

When can scabrous be used instead of rugged?

The synonyms scabrous and rugged are sometimes interchangeable, but scabrous implies scaliness or prickliness of surface.

a scabrous leaf

When is it sensible to use uneven instead of rugged?

While the synonyms uneven and rugged are close in meaning, uneven implies a lack of uniformity in height, breadth, or quality.

an old house with uneven floors

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 rugged Looking for something as rugged as its laced counterparts? —Hillary Maglin, Travel + Leisure, 10 July 2025 Our best budget binoculars guide has some great suggestions for more rugged pairs. —Kat Bayly, Space.com, 10 July 2025 The potential for dry lightning raises concern for new fire starts, especially in remote or rugged terrain. —Ca Wildfire Bot, Sacbee.com, 8 July 2025 From Napa’s sunny slopes to Walla Walla’s rugged charm and Alexander Valley’s refined complexity, these wines showcase regional character, craftsmanship, and aging potential. —Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 8 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for rugged
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rugged
  1. sturdy
  2. tough
  3. gruff
  4. muscular
  5. jagged
  6. difficult
  7. turbulent
  8. crass
Adjective
  • Seek shelter in a sturdy structure until the storm has passed.
    — NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 13 July 2025
  • The company's results expectations are influenced by tariff disruptions, mixed performance among business units, and uncertain aluminum demand—slightly offset by sturdy alumina margins and effective internal cost management.
    — Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025
Definition of sturdy
Adjective
  • Morton, 43, may take that advice under serious consideration, mentioning how tough the fans – and even fellow cast members – have been on her following this past season’s cast trip to Grenada.
    — John Lawson, Essence, 9 July 2025
  • But after rookie third baseman Ronny Mauricio made an exceptionally tough double play to end a two-on, one-out threat in the bottom of the eighth, there was no way the Mets were losing.
    — Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 9 July 2025
Definition of tough
Adjective
  • Audiences can often sense the corporate overlords’ gruff hands pushing these previously distinct programs together.
    — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 10 July 2025
  • Their gruff cheers mismatched the high-pitched hum of the buggies.
    — William Liang, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2025
Definition of gruff
Adjective
  • Overall, mobility suffers and injury risk increases as your body reacts to increasing core instability by creating protective tension and muscular compensations — often straining the lower back.
    — Dana Santas, CNN Money, 4 July 2025
  • Urine travels from the kidneys through muscular tubes called ureters to the bladder.
    — Stephanie Brown, Verywell Health, 4 July 2025
Definition of muscular
Adjective
  • In a profession that lives at the jagged edge of justice and humanity, showing up matters.
    — Sonia Singh, Rolling Stone, 10 July 2025
  • The end of the branch shows a smooth cut, but the bark layer has a jagged appearance.
    — Tim Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2025
Definition of jagged
Adjective
  • Speaking with director Joe Johnston, Oka explained the two most difficult things to simulate digitally at the time were human skin and water.
    — Jordan Hoffman, EW.com, 15 July 2025
  • They are often considered the most beautiful irises but can be difficult to grow.
    — Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 July 2025
Definition of difficult
Adjective
  • At the tight end position, a turbulent year around him in 2024 didn’t allow for any consistency for Jake Ferguson, especially when factoring in his injuries.
    — Nick Harris July 8, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 July 2025
  • Chapek’s short and turbulent reign ended in 2022 when Iger returned as CEO.
    — Brady MacDonald, Oc Register, 7 July 2025
Definition of turbulent
Adjective
  • Brandi Glanville & Lisa Vanderpump (RHOBH) Photo-Illustration: Vulture; Photo: Kelsey McNeal/Bravo/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images Lisa and Brandi were an odd fit from the start: Brandi, the crass newbie; Lisa Vanderpump, the grande dame of Beverly Hills.
    — Eddie Mouradian, Vulture, 11 June 2025
  • Most Popular Most Popular Asking Eric: The parents refuse to cut their trip short despite their teen’s crisis Asking Eric: The parents refuse to cut their trip short despite their teen's crisis Dear Abby: Is there a way to tell the crass shirttail relations that they’re not invited?
    — Nathan Canilao, Mercury News, 10 May 2025
Definition of crass

Browse Nearby Words

rug
rugged
ruggedness
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Cite this Entry

“Rugged.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rugged. Accessed 20 Jul. 2025.

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