1. comparative form of gruff; more rough or harsh in manner, voice, or speech
Usage: comparative degree of the adjective 'gruff'

Examples

• His voice sounded gruffier than usual after he had been shouting all day.
• The old captain became gruffier with each passing year.
• She spoke in a gruffier tone to hide her nervousness.
• He gave a gruffier response than I expected.
• The coach's manner grew gruffier as the team's performance declined.
• His gruffier demeanor made it hard for new employees to approach him.