Downright and Gruff

Downright

Downright adjective - Being or characterized by direct, brief, and potentially rude speech or manner.
Usage example: rural folks are often known for their downright speech, as they are generally not ones to beat around the bush

Gruff and downright are semantically related. In some cases you can use "Gruff" instead an adjective "Downright".

Gruff

Gruff adjective - Harsh and dry in sound.

Downright and gruff are semantically related. Sometimes you can use "Downright" instead an adjective "Gruff".

Nearby Word: gruffly

Mutual synonyms

Both words in one sentence

  • Cottle is a grumpy, sarcastic, chain-smoking, cantankerous, uncompromising doctor who's downright feared by many of the fleet because of his gruff, unsympathetic attitude and willingness to amputate.
  • Real Men Cook Old-fashioned, frequently gruff and sometimes downright arrogant FBI Supervisory Special Agent David Rossi of Criminal Minds makes a mean lasagna (among other things), and isn't averse to sharing it with his colleagues when they need comfort food.
    Source: Real Men Cook
Cite this Source
Gruff and Downright. (2016). Retrieved 2026, July 22, from https://thesaurus.plus/related/downright/gruff
Downright & Gruff. N.p., 2016. Web. 22 Jul. 2026. <https://thesaurus.plus/related/downright/gruff>.
Gruff or Downright. 2016. Accessed July 22, 2026. https://thesaurus.plus/related/downright/gruff.
Google Ngram Viewer shows how "downright" and "gruff" have occurred on timeline