rude

adjective

ˈrüd How to pronounce rude (audio)
ruder; rudest
Synonyms of rudenext
1
a
: being in a rough or unfinished state : crude
b
: natural, raw
rude cotton
c
: primitive, undeveloped
peasants use rude wooden plows— Jack Raymond
d
: simple, elemental
2
: lacking refinement or delicacy:
a
: ignorant, unlearned
b
: inelegant, uncouth
c
: offensive in manner or action : discourteous
d
: uncivilized, savage
e
: coarse, vulgar
3
: marked by or suggestive of lack of training or skill : inexperienced
rude workmanship
4
: robust, sturdy
in rude health
5
: occurring abruptly and disconcertingly
a rude awakening
rudely adverb

Synonyms

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rude, rough, crude, raw mean lacking in social refinement.

rude implies ignorance of or indifference to good form; it may suggest intentional discourtesy.

rude behavior

rough is likely to stress lack of polish and gentleness.

rough manners

crude may apply to thought or behavior limited to the gross, the obvious, or the primitive.

a crude joke

raw suggests being untested, inexperienced, or unfinished.

turning raw youths into polished performers

Examples of rude in a Sentence

I was shocked by her rude behavior. I can't believe that he was so rude to me. I heard someone make a rude noise.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Think scarf head coverings for women in Catholic churches, shoe removal for all to enter a mosque, yarmulkes required for men in synagogues, but also pay attention to the cultural norms away from houses of worship and behave accordingly to avoid being considered a rude American. — Jenny Peters, Oc Register, 4 Aug. 2025 The Reddit community nearly unanimously branded the boyfriend as rude and tone-deaf. — Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 3 Aug. 2025 It’s considered rude to answer one’s phone on public transport or in a restaurant, for example. — Jessica Kozuka, Travel + Leisure, 2 Aug. 2025 From the Galley • Damo and Hugo having a full-volume conversation next to a naked, sleeping Kyle was rude, right? — Emma Soren, Vulture, 29 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for rude

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin rudis; probably akin to Latin rudus rubble

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of rude was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing rude

Rhymes for rude

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Browse Nearby Words

ruddy well
rude
rude awakening
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Rude.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rude. Accessed 14 Aug. 2025.

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Kids Definition

rude

adjective
ˈrüd How to pronounce rude (audio)
ruder; rudest
1
: impolite
2
: not refined or cultured
3
: being sudden and forceful
a rude awakening
4
: being in a rough or unfinished state : roughly made
rudely adverb
rudeness noun

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