Definitions

hoarse

[hawrs, hohrs] / hɔrs, hoʊrs /

ADJECTIVE

raspy in voice

Synonyms

STRONGEST

discordant gravelly gruff harsh raucous throaty

WEAK

blatant breathy cracked croaking croaky croupy dry grating growling guttural husky indistinct jarring piercing ragged rough scratching squawking stertorous strident stridulous thick uneven whispering

Antonyms

STRONGEST

nice polite soft

WEAK

smooth soothing

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.

The way I got into the voice was that I would have to scream myself hoarse.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 25, 2026

Several supporters in Dakar, their voices still hoarse and weary, told AFP they were disappointed by such threats.

From Barron's • Jan. 19, 2026

Palme d’Or winners and catwalk icons gather in the private boxes while shirtless ultras sing themselves hoarse behind the goals.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 4, 2026

According to some reports, there may be tell-tale symptoms with the latest ones - a hoarse voice or a "razor blade" sore throat.

From BBC • Sep. 30, 2025

“Yes,” said the girl, her voice hoarse and desperate.

From "Night Owls" by A.R. Vishny

Vocabulary lists containing hoarse

List 3

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"Romeo and Juliet" by William Shakespeare, Act II

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The Cay

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