Definition

Adjective: 1. Having a rough, steep, and uneven surface, especially due to many rocks or cliffs: Describes terrain that is rugged, rocky, and often difficult to traverse. 2. Characterized by hills and crags: Describes a landscape that is not only hilly but also features prominent, jagged rock formations.

Usage

The word "cragged" is a descriptive adjective used almost exclusively for landscapes, mountains, coastlines, or other natural features. It emphasizes a harsh, rugged, and often imposing physical geography. It is a more literary or formal synonym for "craggy."

Examples

• Adjective:
  • The cragged coastline made it impossible to land the boat safely.
  • They slowly made their way up the cragged slope of the ancient mountain.
  • The view from the cabin looked out over miles of cragged wilderness.

Advanced Usage

• Metaphorical Use: While less common, "cragged" can be used metaphorically to describe a face with deep, rough lines and a strong, weathered appearance.
  • The old sailor had a kind smile on his cragged face.

Variants and Related Words

• Craggy (adj.): The more common and frequently used synonym for "cragged," with identical meaning.
  • He climbed the craggy peak.
• Crag (n.): A steep or rugged cliff or rock face.
  • An eagle nested on the high crag.
• Craggedness (n.): The state or quality of being cragged (rarely used).

Synonyms

• Rugged
• Rocky
• Jagged
• Precipitous
• Uneven

Antonyms

• Smooth
• Flat
• Level
• Even

Adjective

1. having hills and crags
   • hilly terrain