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 side’s most striking feature, according to most reports from the time, was therefore their relative lack of brutality.
—
Michael Cox, New York Times, 5 Oct. 2025
Her name is Christa Gail Pike, who was convicted of killing 19-year-old Colleen Slemmer three decades ago in a case that made national headlines at the time for its brutality.
—Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 3 Oct. 2025
Safdie’s presentation of these comments foregrounds Mark’s understanding of what’s profound, and profoundly disturbing, about mixed martial arts, and perhaps all martial arts—the channelling and professionalizing of brutality.
—Richard Brody, New Yorker, 30 Sep. 2025
In 2016, Beyoncé incorporated powerful imagery highlighting Black Lives Matter and police brutality.
—Raquel Reichard, Refinery29, 30 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for brutality
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Michael Cox, New York Times, 5 Oct. 2025
Her name is Christa Gail Pike, who was convicted of killing 19-year-old Colleen Slemmer three decades ago in a case that made national headlines at the time for its brutality.
—Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 3 Oct. 2025
Safdie’s presentation of these comments foregrounds Mark’s understanding of what’s profound, and profoundly disturbing, about mixed martial arts, and perhaps all martial arts—the channelling and professionalizing of brutality.
—Richard Brody, New Yorker, 30 Sep. 2025
In 2016, Beyoncé incorporated powerful imagery highlighting Black Lives Matter and police brutality.
—Raquel Reichard, Refinery29, 30 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 8 Oct. 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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