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Synonym Chooser

How is the word gruff distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of gruff are bluff, blunt, brusque, crusty, and curt. While all these words mean "abrupt and unceremonious in speech and manner," gruff suggests a hoarse or husky speech which may imply bad temper but more often implies embarrassment or shyness.

puts on a gruff pose

When is bluff a more appropriate choice than gruff?

While the synonyms bluff and gruff are close in meaning, bluff connotes good-natured outspokenness and unconventionality.

a bluff manner

In what contexts can blunt take the place of gruff?

While in some cases nearly identical to gruff, blunt suggests directness of expression in disregard of others' feelings.

a blunt appraisal

When could brusque be used to replace gruff?

The meanings of brusque and gruff largely overlap; however, brusque applies to a sharpness or ungraciousness.

a brusque response

When would crusty be a good substitute for gruff?

Although the words crusty and gruff have much in common, crusty suggests a harsh or surly manner sometimes concealing an inner kindliness.

a crusty exterior

When might curt be a better fit than gruff?

The synonyms curt and gruff are sometimes interchangeable, but curt implies disconcerting shortness or rude conciseness.

a curt command

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of gruff The Old Man was short and gruff and had chin whiskers. Robert Easton, Outdoor Life, 3 Sep. 2025 Landon was also famous for his double act with Victor French who played the gruff outdoor-living Isaiah Edwards in Little House. Caroline Reid, Forbes.com, 31 Aug. 2025 The new film from the husband-and-lesbian-wife duo Ethan Coen and Tricia Cooke features Margaret Qualley playing gay (again) as the titular detective Honey, with Aubrey Plaza co-starring as a gruff cop who is the object of her affections. James Factora, Them., 21 Aug. 2025 And how would the famously gruff and businesslike Belichick work with nineteen-year-olds? Ian Crouch, New Yorker, 21 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for gruff
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gruff
Adjective
  • Give Palestine your voice, and when your voice goes hoarse, hang your flags, wear your keffiyeh.
    Thomas Smith, Billboard, 18 Sep. 2025
  • And when your voice goes hoarse, hang your flags, wear your keffiyeh.
    Ellise Shafer, Variety, 18 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Marc Skinner’s side will face far sterner challenges.
    Megan Feringa, New York Times, 9 Oct. 2025
  • However, getting first-team reps has come with a stern warning.
    James Brizuela, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • One of Lipa’s most significant attributes is the husky tone of her mezzo-soprano, lending a gritty roughness to her songs’ pop polish.
    Steven J. Horowitz, Variety, 5 Oct. 2025
  • The star’s lower, huskier baritone voice has always made an impact in BTS’ music with the star citing the likes of Bing Crosby, Eric Benet and Ruben Studdard as inspirations.
    Jeff Benjamin, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Israel then launched its war on the strip, which has been devastated by fierce bombardment and Israel Defense Forces (IDF) ground operations.
    Ellie Cook, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Oct. 2025
  • Plenty of companies offer fully remote work, Frana says, but competition can be fierce for those roles.
    Sophie Caldwell, CNBC, 13 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • This grim reality evokes a sense of sorrow and powerlessness among women in Paina Bujurg.
    Aishwarya S. Iyer, CNN Money, 16 Oct. 2025
  • To the right lay the harbor, its narrow entrance guarded by the grim Morro Castle.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 15 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Even the lodging here leans into the rugged setting.
    Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 11 Oct. 2025
  • Hikes See Canyon Trail – Hikers can choose gentle or rugged when exploring See Canyon.
    Roger Naylor, AZCentral.com, 10 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The technique of braising may sound a bit intimidating, but there’s really nothing to it.
    CAROLE KOTKIN, Miami Herald, 7 Oct. 2025
  • Being less direct and formal can help prevent your kid putting a wall up — as can chatting during car rides since not being face-to-face can feel less intimidating for them.
    Kristen Rogers, CNN Money, 26 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • By this time, the eastern Roman empire, where Zosimus lived, had been fairly thoroughly Christianized, but Zosimus was a pagan hostile to Christianity.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 10 Oct. 2025
  • The United States plans to upgrade its radars to improve their ability to identify hostile ballistic missiles targeting the homeland, according to a government announcement, as nuclear adversaries Russia, China and North Korea advance their missile capabilities.
    Ryan Chan, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Gruff.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gruff. Accessed 17 Oct. 2025.

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