gruffer
Sounding more curt
Gruffer is the comparative form of gruff, describing a voice or manner that is harsher, rougher, or more brusque than another: His tone grew gruffer as the questions continued.
Someone gruffer than expected might still be kind underneath—gruffness often masks warmth.
Abrupt and dismissive
- curtAbruptly rude in speech
- bluntDull or tactlessly direct
- harshUnpleasantly severe or rough
- sharpFine-edged, or astute
abrupt · surly · terse · snappish · short · crabby · crusty · curmudgeonly
More rough-sounding
- raspierMore coarse-sounding
- throatierMore rough-voiced
- huskierMore hoarse-sounding
- gravellyContaining small stones
rougher · croakier · growling · rumbling · guttural · bass · low-pitched · scratchy
Emotionally withdrawn, uninviting
- distantFar away or aloof
- coldLow temperature state
- unfriendlyNot welcoming or warm
- standoffishUnfriendly in manner
reserved · unapproachable · frosty · chilly · detached · withdrawn · impersonal · unsociable
Strict or ship's aft
- severeExtremely harsh or strict
- austereSeverely simple and unadorned
- strictRigorous, without flexibility
- formidableInspiring fear or respect
imposing · uncompromising · rigid · unyielding · authoritative · disciplinarian · grave · serious
brusque
Abrupt and dismissive
sharp · abrupt · surly · terse · snappish · short · crabby · crusty · curmudgeonly · cantankerous
hoarser
More rough-sounding
gravelly · rougher · croakier · growling · rumbling · guttural · bass · low-pitched · scratchy · coarse
aloof
Emotionally withdrawn, uninviting
- distantFar away or aloof
- coldLow temperature state
- unfriendlyNot welcoming or warm
standoffish · reserved · unapproachable · frosty · chilly · detached · withdrawn · impersonal · unsociable · remote
stern
Strict or ship's aft
- severeExtremely harsh or strict
- austereSeverely simple and unadorned
- strictRigorous, without flexibility
formidable · imposing · uncompromising · rigid · unyielding · authoritative · disciplinarian · grave · serious · dour