1
as in raw
being such as found in nature and not altered by processing or refining
a sizable spill of crude oil along a coastline is the worst kind of environmental disaster
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2
as in primitive
belonging to or characteristic of an early level of skill or development
the crude stone tools that those prehistoric peoples used
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3
as in vulgar
depicting or referring to sexual matters in a way that is unacceptable in polite society
crude jokes can be considered sexual harassment
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4
as in crass
lacking in refinement or good taste
any discussion of one's money is considered crude by the club's blue-blooded members
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5
as in clumsy
hastily or roughly constructed
a crude hut that was constructed by some shipwrecked sailors
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Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for crude
Adjective
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Here’s an actor of quiet ambition, fire and energy who every so often unleashes a raw power that infuses a character with life and truth.—
Baz Bamigboye, Deadline, 6 Jan. 2026
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Rashida Jones and Will McCormack (Celeste and Jesse Forever) provide the raw, revelatory, and surprisingly funny screenplay, while the director and her illustrious co-stars let rip with reckless abandon.—
Adjective
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Buffington had been working as an after-school instructor for classes in woodworking, primitive skills and kite-making through the Princeton Recreation Department.—
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These regular observations will gradually take in data and aim to provide pivotal information about the strengths, compositions, and histories of these primitive cosmic bodies.—
Adjective
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Although the Ripken card launched many conspiracy theories as to whether the inclusion of its vulgar phrase was truly a mistake or a Fleer marketing ploy, there is a long history of errors making it through quality control in sports card production.—
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The joke swap during last year's Christmas episode went to some particularly jaw-dropping places after Che made Jost read a vulgar joke about Johansson.—
Adjective
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Often, the art created out of activism is productive and instructional, rather than crass or shocking, Duarte said.—
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Unable to project solemn grief, conservatives went with spectacle and crass remarks.—
Adjective
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But in that moment, my 40 years of skiing experience evaporated, and the bulletproof snow and thick crowds transformed me into an anxious and clumsy mess.—
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Following the adventures of the titular sheep, the franchise’s latest takes place at Mossy Bottom Farm on Halloween Eve, watching as excitement turns to dismay when the clumsy Farmer ruins the pumpkin patch.—
Adjective
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Hardwood cuttings are best propagated during mid-fall to late winter when rose plants are in a natural state of dormancy and not experiencing active growth.—
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Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona One of the country's most iconic natural landmarks, Grand Canyon National Park is already a must-visit for its scenic trails and incredible vistas.—
Adjective
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There, everyone comes and goes on longboats that have awnings, a row of rudimentary seats, and a small outboard motor.—
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The medical system provides only the most rudimentary care, and hospitals have little to no medicine.—
Adjective
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Indonesia, with the world’s biggest Muslim population, has strict rules that ban the sharing online of content deemed obscene.—
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Sylvie's storylines are ridiculous, her wardrobe obscene, her audacity unparalleled.—
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Cite this Entry
“Crude.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/crude. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.
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