1
as in hoarse
harsh and dry in sound
she had a gruff speaking voice, but a surprisingly sweet singing voice
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in stern
harsh and threatening in manner or appearance
I didn't exchange one word with the gruff mountaineer who sat next to me in the diner
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of gruff
The characters are well developed and unpredictable—perhaps none more so than John Stone, Nasir’s gruff public-defense attorney.
—
Stephanie Bai, The Atlantic, 8 Feb. 2026
Also present was the gruff playwright.
—Classical Music Critic, Los Angeles Times, 3 Feb. 2026
Wild Cards is a crime-solving procedural with a comedic twist that follows the unlikely duo of a gruff, sardonic cop and a spirited, clever con woman.
—Katie Campione, Deadline, 28 Jan. 2026
So did Paul Mescal, previously considered a lock, in best supporting actor for his portrayal of a gruff William Shakespeare.
—Radhika Seth, Vogue, 22 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for gruff
Stephanie Bai, The Atlantic, 8 Feb. 2026
Also present was the gruff playwright.
—Classical Music Critic, Los Angeles Times, 3 Feb. 2026
Wild Cards is a crime-solving procedural with a comedic twist that follows the unlikely duo of a gruff, sardonic cop and a spirited, clever con woman.
—Katie Campione, Deadline, 28 Jan. 2026
So did Paul Mescal, previously considered a lock, in best supporting actor for his portrayal of a gruff William Shakespeare.
—Radhika Seth, Vogue, 22 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for gruff
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gruff
Adjective
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The quality of a live show, especially one from a legacy band like Journey, comes down to whether the fans leave satisfied: If diehards and casuals alike walk out of the building with grins and hoarse voices from singing along to the big numbers, that’s a successful outing.—
Heather Bushman,
IndyStar,
18 Mar. 2026
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Tears have been shed, throats have been screamed hoarse.—
Kyle Feldscher,
CNN Money,
10 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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The book’s playful interrogation of traditional gender expectations is sharpened with the introduction of 1855 Caleb, a fantasy and a nightmare, a stern, quiet man who Natalie finds both terrifying and alluring.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
7 Apr. 2026
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The problems surfaced in February, prompting a stern letter from the airport to the software provider, which has been paid about $5 million since 2019 to upgrade and operate the payment system and equipment for MIA’s parking garages.—
Vinod Sreeharsha,
Miami Herald,
3 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Several husky owners echoed how quickly the screams can escalate.—
Lydia Patrick,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 Mar. 2026
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One such pet, Lainey, a husky shepherd, was found after going missing in Arizona with the help of a neighbor's Ring camera.—
Melina Khan,
USA Today,
13 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Colorado isn’t expected to hit that grim milestone until 2047.—
Aldo Svaldi,
Denver Post,
8 Apr. 2026
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But California’s high prices have remained a grim fact of life, especially for young people struggling to enter the housing market, despite the draw of enjoying the Golden State’s many attributes such as its natural beauty, powerful economic might and culture of innovation.—
Terry Castleman,
Los Angeles Times,
8 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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In hindsight, the audition for that beloved late-night sketch-comedy series was the most intimidating thing she's ever done.—
Nick Romano,
Entertainment Weekly,
9 Apr. 2026
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Caracas Bakery will be open on the first floor during the day for breakfast and lunch, in a comfortable and relaxed setting that’s somewhat less intimidating than its neighboring luxury restaurant.—
Connie Ogle
April 8,
Miami Herald,
8 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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But Altman inspired fierce loyalty, too.—
Ronan Farrow,
New Yorker,
6 Apr. 2026
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Christian villagers who stayed behind in southern Lebanon, ignoring Israel’s blanket evacuation warnings for the area, have increasingly hardened into enclaves surrounded by fierce clashes.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
5 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Isolated by its beautiful, rugged mountains, West Virginia sits entirely within Appalachia and has long been listed at the bottom of a laundry list of failings, including poor health and a lack of education.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
9 Apr. 2026
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Here, the sun cast stark, dramatic shadows across the moon’s steep cliffs, rugged ripples and seemingly bottomless craters.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Callers told police that after a brief and seemingly hostile interaction with the occupants of the vehicle, the individual left school property and was last seen walking onto Ryan Lane from Edwards Avenue.—
Mike Danahey,
Chicago Tribune,
8 Apr. 2026
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From a technical standpoint, the stock appears to be stabilizing at support just as the macro backdrop becomes less hostile to large-cap technology.—
Tony Zhang,
CNBC,
8 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Gruff.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gruff. Accessed 10 Apr. 2026.
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