Synonyms of gravelly

gravelly

adjective

ˈgra-v(ə-)lē 

as in hoarse

harsh and dry in sound

his singing voice is a little gravelly, but otherwise he's a fine musician

Synonyms & Similar Words

• hoarse
• gruff
• husky
• gravel
• raspy
• throaty
• coarse
• rusty
• scratchy
• croaky
• rasping
• grating
• croaking
• guttural
• choked
• abrasive
• growling
• strained
• strangled
• strident
• growly
• scraping
• rough
• scratching
• raucous
• grinding
• cacophonous
• discordant
• jarring
• cracked
• dissonant
• unmusical
• screeching
• inharmonious
• unmelodious
• squawking
• cawing

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• gentle
• sweet
• liquid
• golden
• mellow
• mellifluous
• soothing
• smooth
• soft
• tender
• velvety
• silken
• satiny
• mellifluent
• musical
• melodic
• gliding
• melodious
• lyrical
• lyric
• euphonious

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of gravelly

The road’s hairpin turns and gravelly washes mean slow going; the trip from Marfa to Chinati Hot Springs will likely take around two hours. — Eva Frederick, Travel + Leisure, 13 Apr. 2026

Like many other succulents, 'Angelina' stonecrops are drought-tolerant, can grow in sandy or gravelly soil, and thrive in sunny, well-draining conditions. — Nishaa Sharma, The Spruce, 4 Apr. 2026

Liam Neeson puts on his best gravelly voice to play Jack Drebin, the son of Leslie Nielsen’s Frank; Pamela Anderson has fun as his femme fatale; and Danny Huston is the Musk-like villain. — The Week Uk, TheWeek, 4 Jan. 2026

Born Christopher Anton Rea in Middlesbrough, England, on March 4, 1951, the rock and blues singer was well known for his distinctive gravelly voice and slide guitar playing. — Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 22 Dec. 2025