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

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

It took only a few gruff words from our landlady to snuff out that candle of joy shining within me.

From "The Detective's Assistant" by Kate Hannigan