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.
While the Silk Sonic project, from its name on down, is a tribute to the lush textures of ’70s soul, Mr. .Paak’s occasionally gruff presence brings a touch of hip-hop to the mix.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 3, 2026
Sullivan—a gruff Irish-Catholic variety-show host who could make or break careers—dropped a folder on the table, a dossier of FBI and press clippings, and asked bluntly:
From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 31, 2026
Mr. Hersh, age 88, is a gruff charmer; a viewer will understand why people open up to him.
From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 24, 2025
Carpenter is a gruff but approachable 77 these days, his career as a film director receding in the rearview.
From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 23, 2025
Then a gruff voice boomed out of the phone: “Federal Bureau of Investigations. Reardon speaking.”
From "Found" by Margaret Peterson Haddix
![]()
Vocabulary lists containing gruff
100 SAT Words Beginning with "G"
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
The Girl Who Drank the Moon
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Auggie & Me
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!