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.

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

Born Tyrone Griffin Jr., Ty Dolla Sign is known for his gruff sandpaper vocals and memorable hooks.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 30, 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

“Who is there?” a gruff voice calls from the darkness.

From "The Last Cuentista" by Donna Barba Higuera