It didn't matter that there might be good reason to do so; it still sounded impossibly grudging.

That sounded grudging and mean, even to Conan's ears.

Horace sounded grudging and grateful at the same time.

"I'm getting by," Paul said, trying not to sound grudging.

Again she nodded, but her voice sounded grudging.

Maybe my ears were prejudiced, but the last word sounded grudging.

Realizing he sounded a bit grudging in his enthusiasm, he continued.

"It's different," Kellen said, hoping he didn't sound too grudging about things.

His voice sounded rather grudging as he admitted her contribution.

His tone still sounded faintly grudging, but Janeway ignored it.