Search Dictionary
Definition of gruffness

gruffness

/ˈɡrʌf.nəs/
gruff · ness
Adverb:gruffly
•
Adjective:gruff
JUMP TO:

gruffness Lexical Profile

gruffness Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The quality of being abrupt, stern, or brusque in manner or speech.

Example

"Beneath his outward gruffness, the veteran shopkeeper was remarkably generous to his neighbors."

2

The quality of a voice or sound being deep, rough, and hoarse.

Example

"A winter cold had given his voice an unusual gruffness during the lecture."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for gruffness
Antonyms
View all antonyms for gruffness

• Rhymes for gruffness

• Nearby Words

gruesomeness
gruff
gruffly
gruffness
grumble
grumbler
grumblingly

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in English from the adjective 'gruff' (borrowed in the 16th century from Middle Dutch or Middle Low German 'grof', meaning 'coarse, rough, or rude') combined with the Old English abstract noun suffix '-ness'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Gruffness. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/gruffness
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.