GRUFF Synonyms: 170 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'gruff' distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of gruff are bluff , blunt , brusque , crusty , and curt . While all these words mean "abrupt and unceremonious in speech and manner," gruff suggests a hoarse or husky speech which may imply bad temper but more often implies embarrassment or shyness. // puts on a gruff pose

Q: When is 'bluff' a more appropriate choice than 'gruff'?

While the synonyms bluff and gruff are close in meaning, bluff connotes good-natured outspokenness and unconventionality. // a bluff manner

Q: In what contexts can 'blunt' take the place of 'gruff'?

While in some cases nearly identical to gruff , blunt suggests directness of expression in disregard of others' feelings. // a blunt appraisal

Q: When could 'brusque' be used to replace 'gruff'?

The meanings of brusque and gruff largely overlap; however, brusque applies to a sharpness or ungraciousness. // a brusque response

Q: When would 'crusty' be a good substitute for 'gruff'?

Although the words crusty and gruff have much in common, crusty suggests a harsh or surly manner sometimes concealing an inner kindliness. // a crusty exterior

Q: When might 'curt' be a better fit than 'gruff'?

The synonyms curt and gruff are sometimes interchangeable, but curt implies disconcerting shortness or rude conciseness. // a curt command

gruff

adjective

ˈgrəf

Definition of gruff next

as in hoarse

harsh and dry in sound she had a gruff speaking voice, but a surprisingly sweet singing voice

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in stern

harsh and threatening in manner or appearance I didn't exchange one word with the gruff mountaineer who sat next to me in the diner

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word gruff distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of gruff are bluff, blunt, brusque, crusty, and curt. While all these words mean "abrupt and unceremonious in speech and manner," gruff suggests a hoarse or husky speech which may imply bad temper but more often implies embarrassment or shyness.

puts on a gruff pose

When is bluff a more appropriate choice than gruff?

While the synonyms bluff and gruff are close in meaning, bluff connotes good-natured outspokenness and unconventionality.

a bluff manner

In what contexts can blunt take the place of gruff?

While in some cases nearly identical to gruff, blunt suggests directness of expression in disregard of others' feelings.

a blunt appraisal

When could brusque be used to replace gruff?

The meanings of brusque and gruff largely overlap; however, brusque applies to a sharpness or ungraciousness.

a brusque response

When would crusty be a good substitute for gruff?

Although the words crusty and gruff have much in common, crusty suggests a harsh or surly manner sometimes concealing an inner kindliness.

a crusty exterior

When might curt be a better fit than gruff?

The synonyms curt and gruff are sometimes interchangeable, but curt implies disconcerting shortness or rude conciseness.

a curt command

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of gruff Now the bearded Hurst will swap sides to lend his gruff voice and stature to the antihero role. —

Nick Romano, Entertainment Weekly, 14 Jan. 2026 Approved by The Boss himself, the live-music and storytelling show finds Azaria slipping into his best Springsteen guise for a night of gruff tales and greatest hits. —

John Wenzel, Denver Post, 24 Dec. 2025 The gory skit ends with the gruff older man rushing through the door to announce he’s made amends with his son, only to have his head sliced off by the flying chainsaw. —

Mitchell Peters, Billboard, 21 Dec. 2025 The track, like most of his November Still Goin EP, feels like the best of classic Atlanta rap’s properties without the gruff trap tales or drug metaphors attached. —

Andre Gee, Rolling Stone, 18 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for gruff

Recent Examples of Synonyms for gruff

Adjective

One of them, fist raised to the sky, let out a long yell, the hoarse shout of a gold panner.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 12 Jan. 2026
November 17, 2025 What To Know During an Oval Office meeting focused primarily on preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Trump sounded hoarse when speaking with reporters and officials.

— Anna Commander, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Nov. 2025

Definition of hoarse

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gruesomeness

gruff

gruffly

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“Gruff.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gruff. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.

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Last Updated: 12 Feb 2026 - Updated example sentences

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