raspy

adjective

ˈra-spē How to pronounce raspy (audio)
Definition of raspynext
1
as in irritable
easily irritated or annoyed overwork tends to make him raspy

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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 So, too, is the film’s music, composer Anthony Willis and soundtrack artist Charli XCX entwining raspy strings with grimy, ominous shudders. — Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 11 Feb. 2026 The raspy voice on the other end of the line gave the intruder instructions. — Megan Cassidy, San Francisco Chronicle, 4 Feb. 2026 Folk-rock Ike Reilly Assassination frontman Ike Reilly opened the show with a 15-minute acoustic set; just a guitar, a harmonica and his son, Shane, singing tight harmonies against Reilly’s raspy lead. — Jared Kaufman, Twin Cities, 30 Jan. 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 See All Example Sentences for raspy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for raspy
  1. irritable
  2. hoarse
  3. fiery
  4. gruff
  5. husky
Adjective
  • Just as Depp made to exit the stage, a haunting voice came over the speaker, eerily repeating the irritable man’s name.
    — Angelique Jackson, Variety, 23 July 2026
  • Perelman said people who have weakened immune systems and those with irritable bowel disease may want to talk to their doctors before incorporating the foods into their diet.
    — Devi Shastri, Los Angeles Times, 15 July 2026
Definition of irritable
Adjective
  • 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 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
Definition of hoarse
Adjective
  • Admired for their striking beauty, the fiery blossoms of the peacock flower have long captured the attention of people across the Atlantic world.
    — Kari Traylor, JSTOR Daily, 29 July 2026
  • The testimony followed years of fiery disputes between Paul and Fauci — both medical doctors — over the response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the origins of the virus that caused it.
    — Joe Walsh, CBS News, 29 July 2026
Definition of fiery
Adjective
  • Matt Damon plays Odysseus as a gruff, practical tactician, rather than an energetically inventive and morally dubious schemer.
    — Caroline Mimbs Nyce, New Yorker, 17 July 2026
  • The New Zealander drew international acclaim for roles as gruff loners and unhinged villains.
    — Harrison Smith, Washington Post, 13 July 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

Browse Nearby Words

rasps
raspy
rassle
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Cite this Entry

“Raspy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/raspy. Accessed 3 Aug. 2026.

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