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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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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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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And Hannah Waddingham gives a good, stern space-lady as the voice of the Galactic Grand Councilwoman.—
EW.com,
EW.com,
20 May 2025
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Ruud van Nistelrooy put his arm round Amad, who wore a stern expression before going onto the pitch.—
Laurie Whitwell,
New York Times,
19 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
-
Their love and fierce loyalty toward one another is a high point of Season 2.—
Lorraine Ali,
Los Angeles Times,
19 May 2025
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Johnson’s selection came over the fierce opposition of some of the school’s staunchest supporters, who celebrate FAMU’s legacy of Black excellence, social mobility and cultural pride.—
Kate Payne,
The Orlando Sentinel,
16 May 2025
Adjective
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His face is grim, lacking the exuberance and devil-may-care attitude visible in earlier paintings.—
Eli Wizevich,
Smithsonian Magazine,
20 May 2025
-
The headlines may be grim, but history is generous to those who stay invested.—
John Buckingham,
Forbes.com,
20 May 2025
Adjective
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Groups were scaling the 30-foot steel border fence with rope ladders, or crawling through gaps sawed into the old steel mesh fencing, hundreds of people a day in a 20-mile stretch starting at the rugged mountainside of Mt. Cristo Rey.—
Lauren Villagran,
USA Today,
26 May 2025
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After a rugged childhood without electricity or indoor plumbing, Robertson earned a football scholarship to Louisiana Tech University.—
Maureen Lee Lenker,
EW.com,
26 May 2025
Adjective
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Perhaps better than any other source of encouragement, parents can make counseling appear less intimidating and more important.—
Eric Wood,
Forbes.com,
27 May 2025
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The Cosmos, like its namesake, is nothing if not enormous and intimidating.—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
25 May 2025
Adjective
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Some of countries in the continent that are rich in uranium, such as Niger and Gabon, may be delicate or difficult to deal with in the near term as both underwent military coups recently, with Niger turning hostile toward the French and more toward the Russians.—
Ariel Cohen,
Forbes.com,
26 May 2025
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The game is scheduled to tip off at 8 p.m. ET and Pacers fans are sure to bring the energy and create a hostile atmosphere for New York.—
Evan Massey,
MSNBC Newsweek,
26 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Gruff.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gruff. Accessed 30 May. 2025.
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