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

Stout and slightly gruff, Dipper has a digital face that can approximate more than 40 expressions.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 6, 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

In the Norwegian author Jon Fosse’s “Vaim,” translated by Damion Searls, the men are no less gruff than those of Mr. Gospodinov’s youth.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 9, 2025

“You’d be surprised,” came a voice from the floor, gruff and rich and slow.

From "The Book of Dust: La Belle Sauvage" by Philip Pullman