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.

Her stamina impresses her manager, Greg, a gruff gay man who tells her about the gay club in town, where she meets Tina, the woman who teaches her acceptance through unconditional love.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 17, 2026

He is a situational bear, a situational bull and, almost despite himself, at age 87, a gruff, perpetual, starry-eyed idealist.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 9, 2026

The call-in, which lasted four hours and a half hours, has also been used to humanize a leader better known in the West for his gruff outbursts and cold demeanor.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 19, 2025

In a new role as JV defensive coordinator, he deployed his gruff but humor-infused brand of coaching while welcoming a group of incoming ninth-graders to the program.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 12, 2025

And what a din of voices, from gruff to shrill, as the waiters came round with more champagne and lemonade.

From "Atonement" by Ian McEwan