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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 Singing over gruff hip-hop beats and ethereal minimalist ballads, the Argentine singer weaves a provocative tale of self-discovery with diaristic lyrics that excavate self-acceptance, intense romance and emotional maturity. —

Pamela Avila, USA TODAY, 19 Dec. 2024 The first episode shows Dr. Robby leading a group of young medical students and residents on a tour of their new workplace, their faces just as much a mixture of terror and wonder as Carter’s was when his gruff mentor Peter Benton led him around County General on his first day. —

Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone, 3 Jan. 2025 The beloved coach who has a sweetly gruff persona also joked about how he’s fared as a patient. —

Anna Lazarus Caplan, People.com, 17 Dec. 2024 After a long bout of gruff banter, Frank gets personal, invoking his dead son, Joseph. —

Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 14 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for gruff

Recent Examples of Synonyms for gruff

Adjective

While working through the audio issues, Billy Ray wandered the stage, sang a cappella, and left some viewers concerned about his hoarse voice and at times erratic behavior.

— Shania Russell, EW.com, 28 Jan. 2025
Hollis lists her grievances, her voice hoarse and shrill.

— Carol Marbin Miller, Miami Herald, 2 Jan. 2025