gruff
adjective
low and harsh; hoarse.
gruffness
-
a word derived from
gruff.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
“No,” Tranter snaps, and his gruffness is so confident that it makes you chuckle.
From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 23, 2026
Rebecca remains a wonder, and Waddingham is still one of the many best things about the show; along with Goldstein's signature gruffness as Roy.
From Salon ● Mar. 15, 2023
Both Brendan Gleeson and Barry Keoghan from “Banshees” ought to make the cut: It’s Gleeson’s gruffness that sets the plot in motion, and Keoghan’s tragic fool that makes you laugh, then weep.
From New York Times ● Jan. 18, 2023
With his signature gruffness, Grassley acknowledges his age is “one of the reasons that I’ve put off making the decision until later on.”
From Seattle Times ● Jul. 9, 2021
Nin’s gruffness never bothered her; she’d known the woman all her life.
From "The Reader" by Traci Chee
