Synonyms for gruff Found 6 synonyms across 2 meanings for “gruff”. brusque and surly and forbidding (adj) crustycurmudgeonlyill-humoredill-humoured deep and harsh sounding as if from shouting or illness or emotion (adj) hoarsehusky Explore Related Words Rhymes with gruffSynonyms for crustySynonyms for curmudgeonlySynonyms for ill-humoredSynonyms for ill-humouredSynonyms for hoarse Synonym Finder | Rhyme Finder | Poetry Editor