gruff

adjective

ˈgrəf How to pronounce gruff (audio)
Definition of gruffnext
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word gruff distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of gruff are bluff, blunt, brusque, crusty, and curt. While all these words mean "abrupt and unceremonious in speech and manner," gruff suggests a hoarse or husky speech which may imply bad temper but more often implies embarrassment or shyness.

puts on a gruff pose

When is bluff a more appropriate choice than gruff?

While the synonyms bluff and gruff are close in meaning, bluff connotes good-natured outspokenness and unconventionality.

a bluff manner

In what contexts can blunt take the place of gruff?

While in some cases nearly identical to gruff, blunt suggests directness of expression in disregard of others' feelings.

a blunt appraisal

When could brusque be used to replace gruff?

The meanings of brusque and gruff largely overlap; however, brusque applies to a sharpness or ungraciousness.

a brusque response

When would crusty be a good substitute for gruff?

Although the words crusty and gruff have much in common, crusty suggests a harsh or surly manner sometimes concealing an inner kindliness.

a crusty exterior

When might curt be a better fit than gruff?

The synonyms curt and gruff are sometimes interchangeable, but curt implies disconcerting shortness or rude conciseness.

a curt command

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 gruff Of the new additions, a gruff octopus voiced by Ed O’Neill is Dory’s highlight, but the movie’s heart and soul remains Stanton, who rebounds terrifically from the embarrassment of John Carter for this second delightful dip into the ocean. —Will Leitch, Vulture, 19 June 2025 Butler, now in his 50s, leans into the role with just enough gruff sincerity to make Brodie feel like more than a stock hero. —Travis Bean, Forbes.com, 12 June 2025 With a deep, gruff voice and animus toward humanity, McCarthy was an unusual dance-music star when Nitzer Ebb started notching chart hits. —Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 12 June 2025 Two months ago, the world lost a gruff and burly guitar player named Al Barile. —Kelefa Sanneh, New Yorker, 11 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for gruff
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gruff
  1. hoarse
  2. stern
  3. husky
  4. fierce
  5. grim
  6. rugged
  7. intimidating
  8. hostile
Adjective
  • For most of his first 10 songs, Costello’s singing was ragged and hoarse.
    — George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 June 2025
  • Screamed himself hoarse and still tried calling for his brother.
    — Maria Morava, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 June 2025
Definition of hoarse
Adjective
  • However, the slow collision of Ray’s two worlds unfolds with the stern casualness of two business acquaintances meeting for dinner.
    — Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 18 July 2025
  • Bill Pogue’s family and friends knew him as a thoughtful, deeply sensitive man, despite his reputation as a gruff, stern, wildlife officer.
    — Jim Zumbo, Outdoor Life, 17 July 2025
Definition of stern
Adjective
  • The 2006 adventure film revolves around a team of husky sled dogs struggling to survive in Antarctica after a devastating snowstorm—and Ilardi quickly realized that Atlas was paying attention.
    — Rachael O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 July 2025
  • Now, at only 23 years old, he's gone viral for his warm, husky voice and his Noah Kahan meets Zach Bryan country-folk sound.
    — Audrey Gibbs, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025
Definition of husky
Adjective
  • The two have one of the fiercest rivals in college football known as the Iron Bowl.
    — Taylor Ardrey, USA Today, 19 July 2025
  • He’s also ruled out the Chinese mainland due to fierce competition, entrenched EV incumbents, and a power grid so advanced that ultra-fast charging is widely available—making battery swapping largely unnecessary.
    — Clay Chandler, Fortune, 19 July 2025
Definition of fierce
Adjective
  • While McArthur was being interviewed by investigators, search teams made a grim discovery: a portion of a human skull was found sticking out of the ground, encased in concrete and potting soil.
    — Emily Blackwood, People.com, 19 July 2025
  • The grim task, using strategies including hand-sifting and specific diving techniques, is expected to drag on for months.
    — Rebekah Riess, CNN Money, 18 July 2025
Definition of grim
Adjective
  • The Cyclades are famed for postcard-perfect sunsets—while Crete offers rugged gorges and myth-laden palaces.
    — Lewis Nunn, Forbes.com, 25 July 2025
  • Made from rugged canvas, the shell will last a lifetime.
    — Christopher Murray may earn a commission if you buy through our referral links. This content was created by a team that works independently from the Fox newsroom., FOXNews.com, 25 July 2025
Definition of rugged
Adjective
  • Recently, Altra added low drop shoes to its offerings, which can be less intimidating that flat, zero-drop shoes for beginners.
    — Lauren Wingenroth, SELF, 25 July 2025
  • Being diagnosed with a rheumatic disease is a life-altering experience that can feel overwhelming and intimidating.
    — Chloe Castleberry, Flow Space, 7 July 2025
Definition of intimidating
Adjective
  • Five days later, on July 8, an attorney for the city manager submitted a letter of potential claim against the city citing defamation, harassment and creation of a hostile work environment.
    — Anita Edmondson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 July 2025
  • In early October 2022, the ruling said, McCarty filed a hostile work environment complaint with the police department.
    — Judy L. Thomas, Kansas City Star, 25 July 2025
Definition of hostile

Browse Nearby Words

gruesomeness
gruff
gruffly
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Cite this Entry

“Gruff.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gruff. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.

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