OpenSynonym

jagged

/ˈdʒæɡɪd/

ADJECTIVE

1. Having rough, sharp, and uneven edges

Having an irregular surface or outline characterized by sharp projections, pointed edges, notches, or uneven parts.

1.1. Sharp edges and pointed surfaces

Used to describe objects, materials, or surfaces with rough, irregular, and potentially dangerous sharp edges or projections.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Examples

  • The broken glass had jagged edges that could easily cut someone's hand.
  • The hikers carefully climbed over the jagged rocks along the mountain path.
  • A jagged piece of metal protruded from the damaged fence.
  • The accident left a jagged wound on his arm.

Related Words

  • sharpness
  • roughness
  • irregularity
  • protrusion
  • spike
  • barb
  • edge
  • fragment
  • splinter
  • shard

1.2. Irregularly notched or serrated edges

Used to describe edges, margins, or outlines containing repeated teeth, notches, indentations, or sharp projections, resembling the cutting edge of a saw.

Synonyms

Antonyms

  • smooth
  • unnotched
  • even
  • straight
  • entire

Examples

  • The knife had a jagged blade designed for cutting through tough materials.
  • The leaf displayed a jagged margin with numerous small teeth.
  • The artist drew a jagged line around the border of the illustration.
  • The damaged sheet of paper had a jagged edge.

Related Words

  • serration
  • notch
  • indentation
  • tooth
  • saw blade
  • margin
  • contour
  • zigzag pattern
  • leaf margin

1.3. Rugged natural landscapes and formations

Used to describe mountains, cliffs, rocks, or other natural formations with irregular, steep, and sharply projecting outlines.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Examples

  • The climbers struggled to cross the jagged mountain peaks.
  • A series of jagged cliffs overlooked the turbulent ocean.
  • The distant horizon was dominated by jagged mountain ridges.
  • The island was surrounded by jagged rocks and steep coastal formations.

Related Words

ADJECTIVE

2. Harsh, rough, or uneven in quality

Characterized by abrupt changes, irregular patterns, or an unpleasantly rough quality rather than smoothness or consistency.

2.1. Rough and irregular sounds or musical patterns

Used to describe sounds, voices, melodies, or musical structures that are harsh, abrupt, uneven, or characterized by sudden changes in pitch, rhythm, or intensity.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Examples

  • The singer's jagged vocal delivery gave the performance an unsettling quality.
  • The composer used jagged musical phrases to create tension and unpredictability.
  • The radio produced a jagged, distorted sound during the storm.

Related Words

  • sound
  • voice
  • melody
  • rhythm
  • pitch
  • dissonance
  • music
  • intonation
  • acoustics

2.2. Irregular patterns and fluctuating movements

Used to describe lines, graphs, movements, or patterns that change abruptly and unevenly rather than following a smooth or consistent progression.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Examples

  • The financial chart showed a jagged pattern of sudden rises and falls.
  • The machine produced a jagged signal instead of a smooth waveform.
  • The graph displayed jagged fluctuations throughout the observation period.

Related Words