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. 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

Gen. Vasyl Maliuk, a gruff and muscular career security officer, took charge of the agency soon after Russia invaded in 2022.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 10, 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

“Khafeh!” said the guard in a gruff voice.

From "The Many Assassinations of Samir, the Seller of Dreams" by Daniel Nayeri