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

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

His voice was gruff, despite his quivering knees.

From "The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest" by Aubrey Hartman