1
as in irritable
easily irritated or annoyed
overwork tends to make him raspy
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in hoarse
harsh and dry in sound
the dying man spoke in a barely audible, raspy voice
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 raspy
The raspy voice on the other end of the line gave the intruder instructions.
—
Megan Cassidy, San Francisco Chronicle, 4 Feb. 2026
The birds are also known for their thrilling, raspy scream that Hollywood directors often use in films to emulate any hawk, and even raptors, according to Cornell.
—Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 4 Dec. 2025
So Erivo briefly spoke into the mic in a raspy voice.
—Dan Heching, CNN Money, 18 Nov. 2025
This is why Dijon’s language works best as sound, not narrative—his rangy, raspy voice seethes and triumphs, mocks and threatens; there’s no world in which his polygonal perspective can be discerned from a lyric sheet.
—Brady Brickner-Wood, New Yorker, 16 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for raspy
Megan Cassidy, San Francisco Chronicle, 4 Feb. 2026
The birds are also known for their thrilling, raspy scream that Hollywood directors often use in films to emulate any hawk, and even raptors, according to Cornell.
—Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 4 Dec. 2025
So Erivo briefly spoke into the mic in a raspy voice.
—Dan Heching, CNN Money, 18 Nov. 2025
This is why Dijon’s language works best as sound, not narrative—his rangy, raspy voice seethes and triumphs, mocks and threatens; there’s no world in which his polygonal perspective can be discerned from a lyric sheet.
—Brady Brickner-Wood, New Yorker, 16 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for raspy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for raspy
Adjective
-
Even Adam’s irritable female boss, Suzie (Sasheer Zamata), hides under a people-pleasing mask.—
Amy Nicholson,
Los Angeles Times,
3 June 2026
-
That’s because the Moon is at odds with Mars today and everyone is irritable.—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
7 May 2026
Adjective
-
During the debate, Joe Biden frequently lost his train of thought, stumbled over answers, and appeared hoarse, fueling concerns among voters and party leaders.—
Claire Carter,
The Washington Examiner,
31 May 2026
-
Signs include panting, a hoarse bark, scuffing or dragging their toes along the ground, and sometimes regurgitation or swallowing problems.—
The Washington Post,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
30 May 2026
Adjective
-
And Mullin, a 48-year-old former Republican senator from Oklahoma and former mixed martial arts fighter, is also known for fiery exchanges with congressional committees, once challenging a Teamsters leader during a 2023 hearing.—
Eduardo Cuevas,
USA Today,
4 June 2026
-
With first-round pick Caleb Downs expected to lock down the nickel cornerback spot, the competition will be fiery for the other two spots.—
Nick Harris,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
4 June 2026
Adjective
-
Platner, a gruff 41-year-old Marine Corps veteran, is trying to unseat Republican Senator Susan Collins with a platform of economic populism, universal health care, labor protections, and anti-interventionism.—
Elizabeth Bruenig,
The Atlantic,
4 June 2026
-
With his gruff voice, beard and sweatshirts-instead-of-suits, Platner cuts the figure of a blue-collar Mainer.—
Caroline McCaughey,
Boston Herald,
4 June 2026
Adjective
-
The 5-year-old husky mix is a regular at Spot's Place in Regina, Saskatchewan, usually attending Monday through Friday.—
Kendall Malinchock,
USA Today,
23 Apr. 2026
-
In juvenile court Monday, as the teenager with a husky build and beard sat at the defendant’s table, Judge Christopher Van Meir ruled that the teen would remain in custody at least until the next court hearing, scheduled for April 27.—
Julia Prodis Sulek,
Mercury News,
14 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Raspy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/raspy. Accessed 9 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
