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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 And how would the famously gruff and businesslike Belichick work with nineteen-year-olds? Ian Crouch, New Yorker, 21 Aug. 2025 Guenther, a longtime fixture of Milwaukee's bar scene, was known for his gruff, obstinate and opinionated temperament. Steven Martinez, jsonline.com, 19 Aug. 2025 Ralph Johnson is wry and endearing as the town rabbi, Ron Orbach is gruff and authentic as the butcher Lazar Wolf. Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Aug. 2025 His inquiries are met with gruff retorts by the barman, who is only interested in Henry buying a pint. Lincee Ray Published, EW.com, 8 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for gruff
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gruff
Adjective
  • Her voice was loud and hoarse, calling out comments or exhortations concerning the game.
    Rachel Cusk, New Yorker, 24 Aug. 2025
  • Joe Biden’s disastrous June 2024 debate performance, when the nation witnessed a hoarse and feeble president losing his train of thought and struggling to finish sentences, ended his re-election campaign.
    Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy, USA Today, 8 July 2025
Adjective
  • From stern to bow, the boat was a lesson in restrained elegance, with plenty of teak wood and muted, calming shades.
    Rachel Wallace, Architectural Digest, 4 Sep. 2025
  • But after nabbing the part of the stern hotel manager Valentina in the second season of The White Lotus (2022), Impacciatore was launched into Hollywood fame.
    Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 4 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Carpenter is plainly a student of Parton’s, evoking her pinup styling (voluminous hair, big red lips), her persona (sharp with a knowing wink), and her voice, which is rich and husky and accompanied by a country lilt.
    Amanda Petrusich, New Yorker, 2 Sep. 2025
  • Mija the Yorkshire terrier lived in Florida with her owner, 33, who chose not to give his name, and his much-larger dogs, including a husky and Swiss shepherd.
    Rachael O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Despite fierce opposition to certain kids books by conservative activists, Maricopa County, which serves 144,000 library cardholders, received only 12 formal letters asking for reevaluation of library books and DVDs since 2021.
    Taylor Seely, AZCentral.com, 8 Sep. 2025
  • In August, the discontent grew when a leak showed that the White House's forthcoming MAHA strategy report would sidestep tougher limits on pesticides and other agrochemicals, bowing to fierce industry pressure.
    Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • While Ne Zha’s home of Chentang Pass is being obliterated, we’re shown a grim, apocalyptic tableau of mass death that features a family with a young child frozen in ash.
    Derek Robertson, The Washington Examiner, 5 Sep. 2025
  • The grim irony of Sudan’s predicament is that Africa’s third-largest country boasts significant mineral reserves, including huge quantities of gold, as well as vast swathes of arable land.
    Charlie Campbell, Time, 4 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The Marswalker has rugged wheels in each corner for gripping the steps, as well as a long antenna to sense angles and heights.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 6 Sep. 2025
  • The two largest rams were lying down, seemingly enjoying their cuds and the panorama of Bear Canyon and the rugged San Andres Mountains that stretched beyond them.
    Tim Kelly, Outdoor Life, 4 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • For starters, the Nittany Lions play their home games at Beaver Stadium, which can be an intimidating place with seating for 106,572 fans.
    Walter Villa, Miami Herald, 4 Sep. 2025
  • The easier tasks are less intimidating and will help build your confidence to work on something more challenging in the future.
    Keenan Thompson, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Trump has been hostile to renewable energy, particularly offshore wind, and prioritizes fossil fuels for electricity.
    Sydney Lake, Fortune, 5 Sep. 2025
  • Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter took it as a hostile act and approached Prescott, meeting face-to-face with him.
    Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Gruff.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gruff. Accessed 12 Sep. 2025.

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