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.
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
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
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
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
Dad and Matthew looked gruff and Mark merely looked serious—strange enough for him—but tears were streaming down Mother’s face.
From "Among the Hidden" by Margaret Peterson Haddix
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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