1
as in brutal
having or showing the desire to inflict severe pain and suffering on others
a cruel dictator who tortured anyone who dared to speak out against him cruel and unusual punishments are forbidden by the U.S. Constitution
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in harsh
difficult to endure
the cruel climate of the Arctic
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in painful
hard to accept or bear especially emotionally
the cruel situation of being orphaned at an early age
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in malicious
having or showing a desire to cause someone pain or suffering for the sheer enjoyment of it
the bully was fond of making cruel little jabs at his victim's sore points
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of cruel
Tangles is first and foremost the stuff of life, the stuff of many lives, especially people living through it personally with their families and who likely will shed a tear or two at this tender, heart-wrenching treatment of the effects of a very cruel disease on those closest to us.
—
Pete Hammond,
Deadline,
23 June 2026
Aegon, who was burned and crippled in Season 2, fled with Larys Strong (Matthew Needham), leaving his cruel, one-eyed brother Aemond (Ewan Mitchell) to sit on the Iron Throne.
—
Jordan Moreau,
Variety,
22 June 2026
Aerion Targaryen Aerion Targaryen (Finn Bennett), also known as Aerion Brightflame, is a volatile and cruel Targaryen prince infamous for his arrogance and violent behavior.
—
Skyler Trepel,
PEOPLE,
22 June 2026
Patton-Smith says that red-flag friend groups may foster cruel humor, social exclusion, jokes at others' expense, name-calling, or freezing kids out of activities.
—
Sherri Gordon,
Parents,
22 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for cruel
Pete Hammond,
Deadline,
23 June 2026
Aegon, who was burned and crippled in Season 2, fled with Larys Strong (Matthew Needham), leaving his cruel, one-eyed brother Aemond (Ewan Mitchell) to sit on the Iron Throne.
—
Jordan Moreau,
Variety,
22 June 2026
Aerion Targaryen Aerion Targaryen (Finn Bennett), also known as Aerion Brightflame, is a volatile and cruel Targaryen prince infamous for his arrogance and violent behavior.
—
Skyler Trepel,
PEOPLE,
22 June 2026
Patton-Smith says that red-flag friend groups may foster cruel humor, social exclusion, jokes at others' expense, name-calling, or freezing kids out of activities.
—
Sherri Gordon,
Parents,
22 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for cruel
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cruel
Adjective
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The New York Mets are in disarray thanks to a brutal start to what was supposed to be a promising season.
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In 1972, a year after a brutal conflict—one in which India helped with the rebirth of the eastern wing of Pakistan as Bangladesh—New Delhi and Islamabad concluded an agreement that resumed limited trade.
Adjective
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Plant magnolias somewhere they will be protected from harsh winds, especially when buds or flowers are developing.
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Most clarifying shampoos tend to be a little harsh and drying, but this one is gentle and nourishing.
Adjective
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With Boston sealing the sweep on a game-winning single from Jarren Duran, a nightmarish, long weekend at Fenway Park came to a painful end for the Bombers.
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Remember, stretching should never be painful.
Adjective
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He was charged with arson, malicious destruction by means of a fire and timber set aflame.
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Johnson said the bill was meant to curtail malicious records requests, which do happen, where a citizen goes after copious amounts of records just to be a jerk and cost the government time and money.
Adjective
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That’s still high, but moves downward mean less chance of a vicious cycle where expectations for higher inflation drive changes in behavior that create higher inflation.
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That’s still high, but moves downward mean less chance of a vicious cycle where expectations for higher inflation drive changes in behavior that create higher inflation.
Adjective
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Summer 2026 is having a tough time deciding on this season’s dominating nail trend.
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These are typically low-wage jobs that the healthcare industry writ large has had a tough time recruiting for since the pandemic.
Adjective
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As part of her job, Angèle needs to daub makeup on the models’ feet, blistered from the torturous heels they’re forced to wear.
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The film tells the story of Greek hero Odysseus’ long, torturous and fantastical trip home from the Trojan War, back to the Kingdom of Ithaca to save his wife and son.
Adjective
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Conservatives are often accused of being divisive, hateful and exclusionary.
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On Sunday, June 14, UFC fighter Josh Hokit took the opportunity after his win on the White House lawn to repeat a hateful lie about the former first lady.
Cite this Entry
“Cruel.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cruel. Accessed 30 Jun. 2026.
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