Gruff
Gruff adjective - Harsh and dry in sound.
Usage example: she had a gruff speaking voice, but a surprisingly sweet singing voice
Rough is a synonym for gruff in hoarse topic. In some cases you can use "Rough" instead the word "Gruff" as an adjective or a noun, when it comes to topics like grating, surly, bad-tempered, rasping in sound. popular alternative
Nearby Word: gruffly
Rough
Rough adjective - Harsh and threatening in manner or appearance.
Usage example: the rough faces of hardened criminals who had spent most of their lives behind bars
Gruff is a synonym for rough in grating topic. You can use "Gruff" instead an adjective "Rough", if it concerns topics such as stormy. popular alternative
Mutual synonyms
Both words in one sentence
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And this only applies to gods that are known well enough... Bunnies for Cuteness: Okuninushi is a gruff and rough character but absolutely adores bunnies.
Source: Manga / Noragami -
Tigh, being a rough and gruff Sergeant Nasty, is the most prominent example of this troupe
Source: Knight in Sour Armor - Final Fantasy VII has a cold and calculating Cloud and a rough-and-gruff Barret, who are at odds with each other at first before becoming Fire-Forged Friends.
Source: Short-Range Guy, Long-Range Guy
Cite this Source
Rough and Gruff. (2016). Retrieved 2026, August 13, from https://thesaurus.plus/related/gruff/rough
Gruff & Rough. N.p., 2016. Web. 13 Aug. 2026. <https://thesaurus.plus/related/gruff/rough>.
Rough or Gruff. 2016. Accessed August 13, 2026. https://thesaurus.plus/related/gruff/rough.
Google Ngram Viewer shows how "gruff" and "rough" have occurred on timeline