HOARSE Synonyms: 58 Similar and Opposite Words

hoarse

adjective

ˈhȯrs

Definition of hoarse

as in gruff

harsh and dry in sound the dying man spoke in a hoarse whisper

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Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of hoarse Signs include panting, a hoarse bark, scuffing or dragging their toes along the ground, and sometimes regurgitation or swallowing problems. — The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 May 2026 The other was a tearing beauty, a creature so lovely that one look at her sent young men’s blood pressure skyward and set them to uttering wild, hoarse cries and tearing telephone directories apart with the bare hands. — John Madson, Outdoor Life, 1 July 2026 As her own doppelgänger, Red, Nyong'o is as terrifying as Adelaide is terrified, speaking with a distinctive, hoarse voice that sends a chill up your spine. — Kevin Jacobsen, Entertainment Weekly, 14 Mar. 2026 During the debate, Joe Biden frequently lost his train of thought, stumbled over answers, and appeared hoarse, fueling concerns among voters and party leaders. — Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 31 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for hoarse

Recent Examples of Synonyms for hoarse

Adjective

Abraham Lincoln furiously scribbled in Springfield on June 27, 1858, firing off a gruff note to the editor-in-chief of the Chicago Press & Tribune, then in business for only 11 years.

— Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 27 June 2026
But Rose bet that a less gruff voice, ultimately Mike Brown’s, was required to win it all.

— Sean Gregory, Time, 14 June 2026

Definition of gruff

Adjective

This husky-border collie mix is one of Pebbles' seven new pet siblings.

— Kelli Bender, PEOPLE, 29 June 2026
Bob Cary, tall and husky outdoor editor of the Chicago Daily News, was there with his family, staying at the lake’s only resort, where Vera and I also were staying.

— Hank Bradshaw, Outdoor Life, 24 June 2026

Definition of husky

Adjective

To create your own mix, use a combination of two parts potting soil and one part perlite or coarse sand to grow your spider plant in.

— Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 30 June 2026
The varying sizes of these tools suggest threads of different thicknesses, and that indicates both finer and coarser textiles, and likely the use of a range of raw materials.

— Leslie Katz, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026

Definition of coarse

Adjective

Pulisic looked rusty while getting his first start since the group stage opener when he was subbed out at halftime with a calf injury.

— Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 2 July 2026
With a splash, the bloody fish chunks in Johnny Matthews’ white, rusty crate sink into the royal blue waters offshore of Jupiter.

— Kairi Lowery, Miami Herald, 2 July 2026

Definition of rusty

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hoariness

hoarse

hoary

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“Hoarse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hoarse. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of hoarse

adjective

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