HOARSE Synonyms: 58 Similar and Opposite Words

hoarse

adjective

ˈhȯrs

Definition of hoarse

as in gruff

harsh and dry in sound the dying man spoke in a hoarse whisper

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 hoarse When 39 days of elite physical punishment concluded with stadium lights dimming across North America, millions of fans limped away from watch parties with hoarse voices and sore feet. — Lilian Raji, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026 The 28-year-old singer cut her Tuesday evening set short after playing only a few songs inside the Colorado city’s Ball Arena, with fan footage captured inside the venue showing Moroney speaking to fans through a hoarse voice. — Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 30 July 2026 The other was a tearing beauty, a creature so lovely that one look at her sent young men’s blood pressure skyward and set them to uttering wild, hoarse cries and tearing telephone directories apart with the bare hands. — John Madson, Outdoor Life, 1 July 2026 Others walked home sunburned, hoarse and still dressed in blue and orange. — C.j. Holmes, New York Daily News, 18 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for hoarse

Recent Examples of Synonyms for hoarse

Adjective

His only hope to get home turns out to be Nick (Kenneth Branagh), a gruff ex-KGB agent who loves American pop culture and is really good in a fight.

— Brian Truitt, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2026
Known for his gruff vocals, LaMontagne first came to the scene in the early aughts as a timid troubadour.

— Andrea Flores, Los Angeles Times, 9 Sep. 2026

Definition of gruff

Adjective

Tyler, after a brief recovery period, returned to the recording studio with a huskier, edgier voice.

— Alexandra Del Rosario, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026
The extravagant, hi-NRG single showcased the breadth of Tyler’s husky grandeur, which proved a perfect fit for Giorgio Moroder.

— Jazz Monroe, Pitchfork, 9 July 2026

Definition of husky

Adjective

The opener at Nottingham Forest was understandably rusty, but headed for a good 0-0 draw on the road until Anton Stach’s late free kick.

— Beren Cross, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2026
The feathers on her back were of mottled sepia tones, and those on her belly were rusty brown and painterly white.

— Rivka Galchen, New Yorker, 14 Sep. 2026

Definition of rusty

Browse Nearby Words

hoariness

hoarse

hoary

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“Hoarse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hoarse. Accessed 25 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of hoarse

adjective

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