GRUFFNESS Synonyms: 69 Similar and Opposite Words

gruffness

noun

Definition of gruffness

as in sternness

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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 gruffness Mackay and Turner are both excellent, two movie stars who seem totally game to be asked to move with real gruffness. — Sam Bodrojan, IndieWire, 17 June 2026 But then Popper smiled and the arrival of opening day momentarily mellowed his gruffness. — Andrew Carter, Chicago Tribune, 26 Mar. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for gruffness

Noun

Saura had a large sense of the humor, which struck those who got to know him, belying the sternness of his public visage with his playful banter and frequent chuckle.

— John Hopewell, Variety, 6 Mar. 2026

Definition of sternness

Noun

The report also examined whether models could achieve arbitrary code execution (ACE)—a high-severity exploit outcome that allows attackers to take control of a target system.

— Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 25 July 2026
If you’re offered surgery, ask specifically whether endoscopic decompression is an option and what your electrodiagnostic results say about severity.

— Samantha Agate, Sacbee.com, 25 July 2026

Definition of severity

Noun

The harshness of the response suggested that after nearly five decades of trying to negotiate with the SSPX, the Holy See has had enough.

— ABC News, ABC News, 2 July 2026
The harshness of the response suggested that after trying to negotiate with the SSPX, the Vatican under Leo XIV had had enough.

— Nicole Winfield, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026

Definition of harshness

Noun

Less than a minute later, Kerr found a new level of vehemence after the Clippers’ John Collins wasn’t called for goaltending on a shot by Gary Payton II.

— Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 6 Jan. 2026
Such vehemence looked awkward just a few hours later, when The Athletic broke the news that, on December 20, Barca would actually be visiting Villarreal’s Estadio de la Ceramica after all.

— Dermot Corrigan, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025

Definition of vehemence

Noun

The same relentlessness that built Ackman’s reputation as a scourge of corporate excess—and, to critics, a bully spoiling for a fight—has increasingly spilled beyond balance sheets and boardrooms.

— Jeff John Roberts, Fortune, 20 July 2026
Errors of execution and discipline forced by the relentlessness of a French team stripped of many of its leading players meant New Zealand was unable to secure its win until the final minutes.

— ABC News, ABC News, 4 July 2026

Definition of relentlessness

Browse Nearby Words

gruffly

gruffness

grumble

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Style

“Gruffness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gruffness. Accessed 26 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of gruffness

noun

Example Sentences

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