brutality
noun
bru·tal·i·ty
brü-ˈta-lə-tē 
plural brutalities
1
: the quality or state of being brutal
2
: a brutal act or course of action
Examples of brutality in a Sentence
the brutalities of a prison
the police were accused of brutality for using excessive force in making arrests
Recent Examples on the Web
Crump is known for representing relatives of victims of high-profile police brutality cases.
—
Rebecca Ellis, Los Angeles Times, 14 Mar. 2026
Throughout, the camera lingers on Bobbi’s taut body and adonic profile; beauty and brutality are never far apart.
—Michael Snyder, The Atlantic, 13 Mar. 2026
Hollywood delivered powerful combat stories about the brutality of battle, but nothing came close to matching Oliver Stone’s depiction of America’s tragic Vietnam chapter.
—Brent Lang, Variety, 11 Mar. 2026
For Yasin and the whole team, this goes beyond a question of journalistic priorities and values—though Palestine is undoubtedly a vital story, as Israel’s brutality is ongoing and the Western world’s inability to stand up to genocide and war has created permission for further escalations.
—James Folta, Literary Hub, 11 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for brutality
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Rebecca Ellis, Los Angeles Times, 14 Mar. 2026
Throughout, the camera lingers on Bobbi’s taut body and adonic profile; beauty and brutality are never far apart.
—Michael Snyder, The Atlantic, 13 Mar. 2026
Hollywood delivered powerful combat stories about the brutality of battle, but nothing came close to matching Oliver Stone’s depiction of America’s tragic Vietnam chapter.
—Brent Lang, Variety, 11 Mar. 2026
For Yasin and the whole team, this goes beyond a question of journalistic priorities and values—though Palestine is undoubtedly a vital story, as Israel’s brutality is ongoing and the Western world’s inability to stand up to genocide and war has created permission for further escalations.
—James Folta, Literary Hub, 11 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for brutality
Cite this Entry
“Brutality.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/brutality. Accessed 19 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
brutality
noun
bru·tal·i·ty
brü-ˈtal-ət-ē
plural brutalities
1
: the quality or state of being brutal
2
: a brutal act or course of action
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