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

Flores was a disciplinarian whose icy sternness and sharp tongue wore on some players.

— Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 26 Oct. 2026
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

And dry forests and parched soils significantly increase the likelihood and severity of wildfires.

— Ava Berger, NPR, 29 Oct. 2026
The increasing frequency and severity of combinations like drought and flooding are what climate breakdown is all about.

— Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 29 Oct. 2026

Definition of severity

Noun

Hatred toward minorities is not new in America, but the recent surge in hostility aimed at Indian Americans is staggering.

— Raja Krishnamoorthi, Chicago Tribune, 28 Oct. 2026
Riyadh said the discussions were aimed at keeping diplomatic channels open and preventing another escalation in hostilities.

— Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of hostility

Noun

Adelaide said, with a vehemence that frightened Masha, the maid trying to spoon medicine into her clenched mouth.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 13 Oct. 2026
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

Definition of vehemence

Noun

Years later, Ferguson would note the pace and relentlessness of Stein’s players.

— Michael Walker, New York Times, 15 Oct. 2026
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

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 31 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of gruffness

noun

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