gruff

adjectiveCommon GRE wordMore G words

abrupt or brusque in manner; rough and stern

In a sentence

Gruff in a sentence

Here is an example sentence showing gruff in a sentence.

Beneath his gruff manner and clipped replies, the old sergeant was surprisingly kind.

Synonyms

Antonyms

gentleaffablegracious

Keep going

an embarrassing social mistake or blunder, especially in a public setting

providing profit or income; productive

in a way that yields profit or useful result

to deny or contradict; to declare false

one who denies, opposes, or contradicts

bold, brazen impudence or nerve

causing irritation or resentment; vexing

producing a sudden, startling burst of energy or excitement

Common questions

Gruff (adjective) means abrupt or brusque in manner; rough and stern

Here is gruff used in an example sentence: "Beneath his gruff manner and clipped replies, the old sergeant was surprisingly kind."

Common synonyms for gruff include brusque, curt, surly, abrupt.

Antonyms of gruff include gentle, affable, gracious.

Gruff is a GRE-level vocabulary word worth knowing for the Verbal section.

Vocabulary sticks when you meet it in real sentences. Practise these words inside text completion and sentence equivalence questions.