1. comparative form of gruff; more rough or harsh in manner or voice

Examples

• His voice became gruffer as the day wore on.
• The old man’s gruffer tone made the children nervous.
• She noticed her father was gruffer than usual after work.
• The coach’s gruffer approach didn’t motivate the team.
• His gruffer demeanor hid a kind heart underneath.
• The dog’s bark sounded gruffer in the cold morning air.