Meaning & use

raspy

adjective·Everyday

Describing a voice or sound that is rough, harsh, and grating, rather than smooth.

See it in a sentence

His raspy voice made it clear he had been shouting all night at the concert.

The singer's raspy tone gave the ballad an unexpectedly gritty feel.

A note on using this word

Raspy often describes a voice affected by illness, smoking, or overuse, and can carry either a negative or a distinctive tone.

Words with a similar meaning

hoarsegravelly

Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.

Words with an opposite meaning

smoothclear

Make it your own

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