GRUFFNESS Synonyms: 69 Similar and Opposite Words

gruffness

noun

Definition of gruffness

as in sternness

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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 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

Courtney, an Army veteran who served with the 1st Ranger Battalion, immediately recognized the severity of his injury.

— Tori Mason, CBS News, 31 July 2026
But the Dodgers have downplayed the severity of that ailment and are under the impression that throwing doesn’t hurt it.

— Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 31 July 2026

Definition of severity

Noun

Reparations are about exercising a radical vision, thinking beyond the harshness of life, and knowing that something better is possible.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 27 July 2026
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

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

Slight, lightning quick and with mesmerizing ballhanding, Iverson attacked defenses on the perimeter and in the paint with equal parts of fearlessness and relentlessness, guile and gumption.

— Rob Peterson, New York Times, 26 July 2026
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

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 2 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of gruffness

noun

Example Sentences

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