Gruff
Gruff adjective - Harsh and dry in sound.
Smart-aleck and gruff are semantically related. In some cases you can use "Smart-aleck" instead an adjective "Gruff".
Nearby Word: gruffly
Smart-aleck
Smart-aleck adjective - Marked by the use of wit that is intended to cause hurt feelings.
Usage example: a smart-aleck reply that was met with a slap in the face
Gruff and smart-aleck are semantically related. Sometimes you can use "Gruff" instead an adjective phrase "Smart-aleck".
Mutual synonyms
Cite this Source
Smart-aleck and Gruff. (2016). Retrieved 2026, July 28, from https://thesaurus.plus/related/gruff/smart-aleck
Gruff & Smart-aleck. N.p., 2016. Web. 28 Jul. 2026. <https://thesaurus.plus/related/gruff/smart-aleck>.
Smart-aleck or Gruff. 2016. Accessed July 28, 2026. https://thesaurus.plus/related/gruff/smart-aleck.