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

Other remarks made on Wednesday indicated that Judge wasn’t thrilled with Boone for disclosing the severity of his injury.

— Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 24 Sep. 2026
Intentionally injuring or killing a cat is considered animal cruelty, which is punishable as a first-degree misdemeanor or a third-degree felony depending on the severity and intent of the act.

— Michael L. Hyman, Miami Herald, 23 Sep. 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

The two sides reached an interim agreement in June and committed to trying to reach a final deal within 60 days, but the deadline passed after hostilities resumed.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 30 Sep. 2026
Rohingya have faced growing public hostility in Malaysia due to their growing numbers, fueled by concerns over jobs, public services and security.

— ABC News, ABC News, 29 Sep. 2026

Definition of hostility

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

It’s centered on Bryant’s pillars of passion, obsession, relentlessness, resilience and fearlessness, core traits that Bowman used to persevere and conquer.

— Daniel Flick, AJC.com, 27 Sep. 2026
He’s taken over team prayers, inspired his teammates with his relentlessness and dispensed wisdom that can only come from life experience.

— Christian Babcock, Mercury News, 30 Aug. 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 30 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of gruffness

noun

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