as in ruthless
having or showing a lack of sympathy or tender feelings
the callous comment "It's just a fish," when the boy's pet died, made him cry
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of callous
This cruel and callous Big Ugly Bill’s CTC tax relief actually excludes our poorest families who make less than $30,000.
—
Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Sun Sentinel, 19 Aug. 2025
The wealthy, somewhat callous protagonist (Washington here, Toshiro Mifune back in ‘63) initially balks at paying the ransom money and wiping out his business to save his friend’s son’s life.
—Michael Phillips, Chicago Tribune, 14 Aug. 2025
These selfish, harmful and callous actions undermine public safety and will not be tolerated.
—Jasmine Baehr, FOXNews.com, 13 Aug. 2025
Thompson's slaying sparked waves of callous praise online immediately after the shooting.
—Chloe Atkins, NBC news, 13 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for callous
Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Sun Sentinel, 19 Aug. 2025
The wealthy, somewhat callous protagonist (Washington here, Toshiro Mifune back in ‘63) initially balks at paying the ransom money and wiping out his business to save his friend’s son’s life.
—Michael Phillips, Chicago Tribune, 14 Aug. 2025
These selfish, harmful and callous actions undermine public safety and will not be tolerated.
—Jasmine Baehr, FOXNews.com, 13 Aug. 2025
Thompson's slaying sparked waves of callous praise online immediately after the shooting.
—Chloe Atkins, NBC news, 13 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for callous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for callous
Adjective
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Governed by Saturn, this Earth sign is known for its ruthless ambition and long-term visions, making this lunar phase all the more stern and no-nonsense.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
27 Sep. 2025
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In another example of a ruthless campaign to crush dissent, Cuban authorities sentenced the wife of a Cuban political prisoner to 14 years in prison for charges of acting against state security, for which she had been previously acquitted due to lack of evidence.—
Nora Gamez Torres,
Miami Herald,
25 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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In the present day, Lockjaw reenters Bob and Willa’s lives with merciless force, deploying troops from his immigration taskforce on Baktan Cross, the sanctuary city where Bob and Willa have been laying low in the 16 years since Pat became Bob and baby Charlene, Willa, as the two went on the lam.—
Rory Doherty,
Time,
26 Sep. 2025
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Ana, a rebellious 19-year-old from Barcelona, is sent by her wealthy father to a Patronato facility overseen by the merciless Sister Socorro.—
Callum McLennan,
Variety,
22 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Callous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/callous. Accessed 3 Oct. 2025.
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