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.
“After all these years of gruffness … I’ve changed,” he said.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 28, 2025
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
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
But that gruffness is undercut by a roiling current of sentimentality, one that borders on foolishness.
From New York Times ● Oct. 6, 2020
"You've got to pull yourself together," he said with soothing gruffness.
From " The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald
