Search Dictionary
Definition of roughen

roughen

/ˈrʌf.ən/
rough · en
Adverb:roughly
•
Adjective:rough
•
Past Simple:roughened
•
Past Participle:roughened
•
Present Participle:roughening
JUMP TO:

roughen Lexical Profile

roughen Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To make or become uneven, coarse, or irregular in surface or texture.

Example

"Years of working outdoors in the cold wind had begun to roughen his hands."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for roughen
Antonyms
View all antonyms for roughen

• Rhymes for roughen

• Nearby Words

rough scaled python
rough scaled snake
roughage
roughen
roughhewn
roughhouse
roughing

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in the late 16th century from the adjective 'rough' (from Old English 'ruh', meaning coarse or hairy) plus the verbal suffix '-en'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Roughen. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/roughen
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.