1
as in harsh
difficult to endure
brutal hard labor in the hot sun
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in cruel
having or showing the desire to inflict severe pain and suffering on others
a brutal tyrant who drove his country to revolt
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in brute
having or showing the nature and appetites of a lower animal
a coarse, brutal man who has no sense of what it means to be refined or sensitive or cultured
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of brutal
Many choose to tackle this brutal journey in two to three days, utilizing the Appalachian Mountain Club’s shuttle and huts along the way for snacks, water, self-serve coffee, and moments to soak it all in.
—
Jacqueline Kehoe, AFAR Media, 15 Oct. 2025
In the 1700s, that began to change as American colonists took the land through brutal warfare, inequitable treaties and exploitative policies.
—Christine Keiner, The Conversation, 15 Oct. 2025
Right now, however, the car loan math is particularly brutal.
—Daniel De Visé, USA Today, 15 Oct. 2025
After dominating for a portion of the regular season, the Mets starters suffered a brutal collapse that drove the team’s postseason absence.
—Peter Chawaga, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for brutal
Jacqueline Kehoe, AFAR Media, 15 Oct. 2025
In the 1700s, that began to change as American colonists took the land through brutal warfare, inequitable treaties and exploitative policies.
—Christine Keiner, The Conversation, 15 Oct. 2025
Right now, however, the car loan math is particularly brutal.
—Daniel De Visé, USA Today, 15 Oct. 2025
After dominating for a portion of the regular season, the Mets starters suffered a brutal collapse that drove the team’s postseason absence.
—Peter Chawaga, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for brutal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for brutal
Adjective
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Why do some chocolate bars exhibit complex flavor notes like floral, caramel, and gentle woody, while others taste harsh, bitter, and astringent?—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
18 Oct. 2025
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Where rallies are taking place Nearly daily protests in metro Detroit this year have been observed as being peaceful, though sometimes Trump supporters and protesters exchange harsh words.—
Darcie Moran,
Freep.com,
18 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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In Dahl’s original story, the Muggle-Wumps are clever and resourceful, using their smarts to turn the tables on their cruel captors.—
Jane LaCroix,
PEOPLE,
18 Oct. 2025
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On the page, these serve to paint him in a monstrous light following his abandonment by his egotistical and cruel creator, Victor Frankenstein (Oscar Isaac).—
Megan McCluskey,
Time,
17 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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But Hunter is larger than Strus, can man more brute opponents and churned out one of the more versatile shooting seasons of 2024-25.—
Fred Katz,
New York Times,
16 Oct. 2025
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Perhaps above all, the film demonstrates that Kerr, in spite of his brute force in the ring, is a vulnerable guy looking for love and attention.—
David Sims,
The Atlantic,
9 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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The Falcons' offense has emerged as one of the toughest in the league, causing multiple turnovers a game.—
MSNBC Newsweek,
MSNBC Newsweek,
19 Oct. 2025
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How self-reflection operates matters because it will always be needed to make wiser choices about our toughest challenges.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
18 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Those stiffed in this initial round are rendered unable to meet their own bills and a vicious cycle ensues.—
Edward Lotterman,
Twin Cities,
19 Oct. 2025
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In Black Phone 2, McGraw has been upgraded to the de facto lead actor, and Gwen’s foul-mouthed takedowns are even more vicious.—
Brian Davids,
HollywoodReporter,
16 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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After a summer of oppressive heat, October is when New York City hits its stride.—
Nicole Kliest,
Vogue,
18 Oct. 2025
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Raducanu had her blood pressure taken during the match, which was played in oppressive heat and humidity, before retiring down 6-1, 4-1.—
Charlie Eccleshare,
New York Times,
16 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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The ensuing carnage was swift and savage.—
Paul Solotaroff,
Rolling Stone,
12 Oct. 2025
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Near the end of Robert Altman’s savage showbiz satire, Roberts appears briefly as herself, playing a part in a movie-within-a-movie about a woman on death row.—
Bilge Ebiri,
Vulture,
10 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Written by Mahdi Asghari Azghadi and directed by Puya Mofid, this searing Iranian drama unfolds within the confines of an elementary school, where a teacher’s harsh discipline leaves a young Black student traumatized and voiceless.—
Essie Assibu,
Variety,
17 Oct. 2025
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High-temperature cooking methods such as grilling, broiling, roasting, frying and searing can increase AGE content in food up to 100-fold compared to uncooked versions, according to a 2004 Mount Sinai study that measured AGE content under laboratory conditions.—
Deirdre Bardolf,
FOXNews.com,
17 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Brutal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/brutal. Accessed 23 Oct. 2025.
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