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.
The son of a Scottish immigrant, McCluskie had a reputation as a political street fighter and his gruff style complemented Becerra’s more measured, cerebral approach.
From Los Angeles Times • May 13, 2026
Even the formidable C. Aubrey Smith, as the gruff chairman of Colet & Cie., never crosses her directly.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 10, 2026
He stays gruff, of course, but you sense that Ray is as manacled by his authoritarian role as Colin literally is in his hungry, slurping devotion to his master.
From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 5, 2026
The title track is both complex and hummable, and it features contrasting solos from Mr. Rogers, who is pointed and gruff, and Mr. Finlayson, who is lithe and bright.
From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 24, 2025
And of course Sasquatch was like, “No touching!” in that gruff voice they think makes them sound hard.
From "We'll Fly Away" by Bryan Bliss
Vocabulary lists containing gruff
100 SAT Words Beginning with "G"
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The Girl Who Drank the Moon
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Auggie & Me
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