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
Sullivan—a gruff Irish-Catholic variety-show host who could make or break careers—dropped a folder on the table, a dossier of FBI and press clippings, and asked bluntly:
From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 31, 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
The call-in, which lasted four hours and a half hours, has also been used to humanize a leader better known in the West for his gruff outbursts and cold demeanor.
From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 19, 2025
“They’re voting with their absence,” came a gruff voice.
From "Out of Darkness" by Ashley Hope Pérez
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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