Antonyms for gruff

Grammar : Adj

Spell : gruhf

Phonetic Transcription : grʌf

Definition of gruff

Origin : 1530s, "coarse, coarse-grained," from Middle Dutch or Middle Low German grof "coarse (in quality), thick, large," of uncertain origin, regarded by some as related to Old English hreof, Old Norse hrjufr "rough, scabby," with Germanic completive prefix ga-. Sense of "rough, surly" recorded by 1690s. Related: Gruffness.

adj bad-tempered, rude
adj rasping in sound

Example sentences :

“Seventeen, an it please your grace,” said Stephen, in the gruff voice of his age.
Extract from : « The Armourer's Prentices » by Charlotte M. Yonge

I could hear the voice of a woman and then the gruff tones of a man.
Extract from : « The Underdog » by F. Hopkinson Smith

A gruff voice from the doorway broke harshly in upon a measure.
Extract from : « Meadow Grass » by Alice Brown

I want you to tell me why Mr Haredale—oh, how gruff he is again, to be sure!
Extract from : « Barnaby Rudge » by Charles Dickens

Bismarck leaned over and in his gruff way asked, “Give me a match!”
Extract from : « Blood and Iron » by John Hubert Greusel

"At least let us drive him out of the town," said a third gruff voice.
Extract from : « The Scapegoat » by Hall Caine

“Bring it out,” was the gruff response of the disgruntled teamster.
Extract from : « The Strollers » by Frederic S. Isham

Momma, of course, wasn't here, or she would have been gruff about it.
Extract from : « Poppa Needs Shorts » by Leigh Richmond

Something about his gruff, merciless personality had always attracted her.
Extract from : « The Gorgeous Girl » by Nalbro Bartley

In a gruff, rude voice, he chided him for his imprudence, and told him to go in.
Extract from : « Gerald Fitzgerald » by Charles James Lever

Synonyms for gruff

Based on : Thesaurus.com - Gutenberg.org - Dictionary.com - Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019