1
as in hoarse
harsh and dry in sound
she had a gruff speaking voice, but a surprisingly sweet singing voice
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in stern
harsh and threatening in manner or appearance
I didn't exchange one word with the gruff mountaineer who sat next to me in the diner
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of gruff
The track resonates with Belinda’s crystalline vocals, dynamic guitar riffs, and spirited trumpet interplays, while Tito’s distinctively gruff delivery adds grit to their musical escapade.
—
Ingrid Fajardo, Billboard, 17 Jan. 2025
Resolved to continue on her trip for the sake of her son, Sara finds herself in a perilous situation, and is forced to lean on the elusive Issac Reed (Taylor Kitsch), a gruff recluse who lives on the outskirts of Ft. Bridger.
—Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 9 Jan. 2025
The wartime leader became a global icon for his gruff fortitude in the opening stages of the war, but his domestic popularity has since dipped.
—David Brennan, ABC News, 17 Jan. 2025
Anderson recalled, adopting a gruff tone and pointing toward the audience.
—EW.com, 6 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for gruff
Ingrid Fajardo, Billboard, 17 Jan. 2025
Resolved to continue on her trip for the sake of her son, Sara finds herself in a perilous situation, and is forced to lean on the elusive Issac Reed (Taylor Kitsch), a gruff recluse who lives on the outskirts of Ft. Bridger.
—Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 9 Jan. 2025
The wartime leader became a global icon for his gruff fortitude in the opening stages of the war, but his domestic popularity has since dipped.
—David Brennan, ABC News, 17 Jan. 2025
Anderson recalled, adopting a gruff tone and pointing toward the audience.
—EW.com, 6 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for gruff
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gruff
Adjective
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Davis and subsequently Streep — whose acceptance speech included a biographical survey of half the celebrities in the room and a call for resistance made in a voice gone hoarse by hollering at Women’s March protests the day before — know the only way out is through.—
Vulture Staff,
Vulture,
5 Jan. 2025
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While working through the audio issues, Billy Ray wandered the stage, sang a cappella, and left some viewers concerned about his hoarse voice and at times erratic behavior.—
Shania Russell,
EW.com,
28 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
Lilian laughed, but Dr. Fenton remained stern, only nodding at Lilian’s understanding.—
Yiyun Li,
The New Yorker,
9 Mar. 2025
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Waves of anti-Tesla and Elon Musk protests ripple throughout Bay Area Related Articles With few options, Bay Area Democrats in Congress oppose Trump with stern letters, town halls and protest California’s first zero-emission car mandates are coming.—
CNN.com Wire Service,
The Mercury News,
18 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
Voicing the bag is an older woman with a husky Tuscan timbre, which carries the whole way through its lifecycle onscreen.—
Anna Cafolla,
Vogue,
14 Feb. 2025
-
My husky boy feet cemented into the concrete veranda.—
Diane Seuss,
Harper's Magazine,
2 July 2024
Adjective
-
The bill has been met with both fierce opposition and staunch support from students, professors and community members across the state.—
Amanda McCard,
Hartford Courant,
8 Mar. 2025
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With Zverev looking to cement his dominance, Alcaraz aiming for a repeat title, and Fritz eager to defend home soil, the competition will be fierce from day one.—
Tommy Tuberville,
Newsweek,
7 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
In recent months, Israel has brightened a grim geopolitical landscape by battering Iran and its proxies.—
HAL BRANDS,
Foreign Affairs,
25 Feb. 2025
-
The grim anniversary comes with Ukraine facing great uncertainty about its future after President Donald Trump pivoted toward Russia and US officials insisted that Europe can no longer rely on Washington for its defense.—
Alexandra Banner,
CNN,
24 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
From the rugged Cliffs of Moher to the lively streets of Dublin, the country offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural charm.—
Joanne Shurvell,
Forbes,
4 Mar. 2025
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The Bridge on the River Kwai has a thorny message about loyalty and duty that’s wrapped in a rugged, articulate adventure film.—
Will Leitch,
Vulture,
3 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Developers have to find a balance between not making the game too intimidating for newcomers to the series, whilst still posing a challenge for players who’ve grown used to the mechanics and winning strategies for 20 years or more.—
Barry Collins,
Forbes,
2 Mar. 2025
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Even for someone who isn’t a color enthusiast (like myself) there are subtle colors to invest into and a plethora of inspirations on how to style them in a less intimidating way.—
Libby Page,
Vogue,
25 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
The set-up has grown increasingly hostile over time, and became an impassible roadblock when the Lerner family tried to sell the Nationals back in 2022.—
Scott Soshnick,
Sportico.com,
4 Mar. 2025
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Prince overcame the hostile environment and kept TCU afloat during the first quarter when the Horned Frogs struggled to find their footing offensively.—
Steven Johnson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
3 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Gruff.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gruff. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.
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