Harsh-sounding is a term used to describe sounds that are unpleasant or grating to the ear. RASPY, with five letters, is a sound that is rough and hoarse, often associated with a person's voice. STRIDENT, with eight letters, is a sound that is loud and shrill, often used to describe a person's speech. Tinpan, with six letters, is a sound that is metallic and sharp, often used to describe a musical instrument. All of these words describe sounds that are harsh-sounding.