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.
Stout and slightly gruff, Dipper has a digital face that can approximate more than 40 expressions.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 6, 2026
He stays gruff, of course, but you sense that Ray is as manacled by his authoritarian role as Colin literally is in his hungry, slurping devotion to his master.
From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 5, 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
But though his voice was gruff, there was a light in his bloodshot eyes.
From "Impossible Creatures" by Katherine Rundell
From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.