1
as in hoarse
harsh and dry in sound
she had a gruff speaking voice, but a surprisingly sweet singing voice
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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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of gruff
Bowling paints with the rhythm of a gruff intellectual.
—
James Russell, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 21 Apr. 2025
When Jihan called her brother’s phone a few hours later, a man with a gruff voice picked up.
—Christina Goldbaum, New York Times, 20 Apr. 2025
Pascal’s performance as Joel is moving as it’s ever been, carried as much by the words shimmering, unspoken, in his eyes, as by whatever gruff or fumbling words tumble out of his mouth.
—Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 7 Apr. 2025
Despite a gruff exterior that chased some would-be photographers away, Lipack changed the lives of many who stuck it out.
—Leonard Greene, New York Daily News, 2 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for gruff
James Russell, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 21 Apr. 2025
When Jihan called her brother’s phone a few hours later, a man with a gruff voice picked up.
—Christina Goldbaum, New York Times, 20 Apr. 2025
Pascal’s performance as Joel is moving as it’s ever been, carried as much by the words shimmering, unspoken, in his eyes, as by whatever gruff or fumbling words tumble out of his mouth.
—Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 7 Apr. 2025
Despite a gruff exterior that chased some would-be photographers away, Lipack changed the lives of many who stuck it out.
—Leonard Greene, New York Daily News, 2 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for gruff
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gruff
Adjective
-
Even if some still lament his distinct hoarse voice and, at times, indifference to showmanship.—
Jake Goodrick,
Sacbee.com,
15 May 2025
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What's Wrong with RFK Jr.'s Voice? Kennedy's voice has been a defining feature of his public appearances for more than a decade, characterized by a strained, hoarse, and tremulous quality.—
Kate Nalepinski,
MSNBC Newsweek,
14 May 2025
Adjective
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The president shared no caption alongside the image, which depicts him sitting with a stern expression and holding up one finger while wearing white and gold papal attire, including a large cross necklace.—
Bailey Richards,
People.com,
3 May 2025
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However, none will have criminal records after their cases are adjudicated, under a deal the district attorney offered during a stern press conference on Tuesday.—
Peter D'Abrosca,
FOXNews.com,
1 May 2025
Adjective
-
Fred Clemens, the lodge owner, told us that a few big bass had been caught in Grassy Bay, also some husky channel cats running to 12 pounds.—
Don Shiner,
Outdoor Life,
14 May 2025
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In a viral TikTok video, a Siberian husky puppy is filmed meeting a kitten for the very first time in his life, and his heartening reaction to the feline has quickly turned him into a social-media sensation.—
Faisal Kutty,
Newsweek,
10 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Tehran claims its program is peaceful but has threatened fierce retaliation and a possible withdrawal from the nonproliferation treaty if its nuclear sites are attacked.—
Samantha-Jo Roth,
The Washington Examiner,
8 May 2025
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The old model of fierce independence is a luxury many can't afford during this transition.—
AllBusiness,
Forbes.com,
8 May 2025
Adjective
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Sitting in on India press conferences can often be a bit grim, carefully orchestrated by the team's hierarchy and little is usually given to their hungry press corps.—
Tristan Lavalette,
Forbes.com,
8 May 2025
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India claims to have targeted militant infrastructure, but the reality is grim: at least 26 Pakistani civilians -including women and a young child were reported killed in the strikes.—
Faisal Kutty,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 May 2025
Adjective
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And on the rugged ninth hole, his tee shot held up in the grass just short of the bunker.—
Doug Ferguson,
Chicago Tribune,
16 May 2025
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The second webcam will cover the rugged cliffs where puffins, guillemots, razorbills, shags, and various species of gull typically gather.—
Laura Baisas,
Popular Science,
15 May 2025
Adjective
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In places where higher education was all but a miraculous dream, the act of reading can be intimidating, exclusionary, not to mention unaffordable for people who spend their days working two to three jobs and twelve-hour shifts.—
Clare Mulroy,
USA Today,
14 May 2025
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Hussain has a friendly, reassuring presence, making the already-simple recipes even less intimidating.—
Katie Rife,
EW.com,
11 May 2025
Adjective
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And Marguerite did actually manage to live there for years, scraping together a life on the hostile tundra.—
The Atlantic,
The Atlantic,
15 May 2025
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And this is a very hard-line government that has taken a kind of hostile view of everybody in the region.—
Obed Manuel,
NPR,
15 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Gruff.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gruff. Accessed 22 May. 2025.
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