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

Mr. Nakadai played the dogged cop assisting Mifune’s gruff industrialist in foiling a kidnapper’s plot.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 13, 2025

Unlike the gruff, barky impressions lots of comedians were doing at the time, Johnson’s had a flow.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 3, 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

“Now we need your help again, Brother Habib,” said the gruff voice.

From "Shooting Kabul" by N. H. Senzai