Synonyms for

Crude

Adjective / kru:d / Another word for crude — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

Crude means in a natural or raw state; not yet processed or refined.

Synonyms & similar words

unprocessed oil petroleum refined unrefined vulgar gross rough blunt raw earthy stark rude primitive unrefined raw unprocessed rough primitive basic coarse crass vulgar indecent offensive rude immature underdeveloped undeveloped unfinished crudest unpolished unadorned unsophisticated

Synonyms by register

Formal

unrefined raw basic elementary

Informal

rough raw basic no-frills

Literary

elemental unvarnished primeval

Antonyms

refined sophisticated polished elegant cultured civilized delicate

Common collocations

  • crude oil
  • crude humor
  • crude language
  • crude estimate
  • crude drawings
  • crude tools
  • crude sugar

Word family

noun crudeness
adjective crude
adverb crudely

Usage note

Often implies a lack of refinement or sophistication, sometimes with a negative connotation of being unpleasantly coarse or vulgar.

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Example sentences

  1. The caveman used crude tools to hunt for food.
  2. The artist used crude materials to create her masterpiece.
  3. The oil spill polluted the ocean with crude oil.
  4. The comedian made a crude joke that offended some people.
  5. The construction workers built a crude shelter to protect themselves from the elements.

Quotes

  • There's something about the sound of a train that's very romantic and nostalgic and hopeful. - Paul Simon
  • Being a man given to oratory and high principles, he enjoyed the sound of his own vocabulary and the warmth of his own virtue. - John Steinbeck
  • In war, there are no winners or losers. There are only survivors. - Mike Shinoda

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