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
The brutality of the Ukrainian frontline The challenges facing foreign volunteer fighters on the battlefield extend well beyond their legal label.
—
Rebecca Johns, Miami Herald, 6 Sep. 2025
More than a decade into the franchise, the sweeping romanticism of author Diana Gabaldon’s story is matched only by a constantly evolving definition of trauma, leaving each character –– and the audience –– to brace for the brutality of life and whatever fresh hell awaits them around every corner.
—Hunter Ingram, Variety, 6 Sep. 2025
For a long time, the book was consider unadaptable due to its brutality.
—Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 5 Sep. 2025
Examples include bribery, drug-trafficking, working with organized crime, brutality, and extra-judicial killings.
—Matthew Wills, JSTOR Daily, 4 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for brutality
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Rebecca Johns, Miami Herald, 6 Sep. 2025
More than a decade into the franchise, the sweeping romanticism of author Diana Gabaldon’s story is matched only by a constantly evolving definition of trauma, leaving each character –– and the audience –– to brace for the brutality of life and whatever fresh hell awaits them around every corner.
—Hunter Ingram, Variety, 6 Sep. 2025
For a long time, the book was consider unadaptable due to its brutality.
—Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 5 Sep. 2025
Examples include bribery, drug-trafficking, working with organized crime, brutality, and extra-judicial killings.
—Matthew Wills, JSTOR Daily, 4 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for brutality
Cite this Entry
“Brutality.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/brutality. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.
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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