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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Recent Examples of callous
Markets are callous and only react meaningfully when these events impact economic fundamentals or lead to a change in policy.
—
Chloe Taylor,lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 16 Jan. 2026
In addition to callous disregard for former Marylanders’ livelihoods and well-being, by not maintaining the voter rolls, the State Board of Elections disrespects every single Marylander who has a right to vote.
—Nicolee Ambrose, Baltimore Sun, 13 Jan. 2026
The valuation gods declared a winner in the quest to be America’s premier New York radio station, the callous observer might say.
—Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 19 Dec. 2025
The people behind prediction markets can be even more callous, while also offering even more opportunities to bet.
—Danny Funt, New Yorker, 12 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for callous
Chloe Taylor,lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 16 Jan. 2026
In addition to callous disregard for former Marylanders’ livelihoods and well-being, by not maintaining the voter rolls, the State Board of Elections disrespects every single Marylander who has a right to vote.
—Nicolee Ambrose, Baltimore Sun, 13 Jan. 2026
The valuation gods declared a winner in the quest to be America’s premier New York radio station, the callous observer might say.
—Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 19 Dec. 2025
The people behind prediction markets can be even more callous, while also offering even more opportunities to bet.
—Danny Funt, New Yorker, 12 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for callous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for callous
Adjective
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Figure skating is ruthless that way.—
Marcus Thompson II,
New York Times,
4 Feb. 2026
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Pursued by both the FBI and a ruthless crime boss (Bening), Lucky must fight for her life — and a way out.—
Dessi Gomez,
Deadline,
3 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Murphy is not acting alone, however, as he’s been assigned to the journey out of a labor camp run by a merciless, tobacco-spitting boss (Russell Crowe) — and some in his merriless band turn out to be savvier, and more malicious, than others.—
Ryan Lattanzio,
IndieWire,
29 Jan. 2026
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But the Warriors, driven by the merciless ticking clock of Curry’s career, are desperate.—
Dieter Kurtenbach,
Mercury News,
28 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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That means the flavor can range from mild and clean to stony or salty, and the intensity of the bubbles also varies from delicate to aggressive.—
Karla Walsh,
Better Homes & Gardens,
16 Jan. 2026
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Delectable notes of lemon curd on the nose, citrus blossom, and stony minerality, with peach tart and a drizzle of honey, and a lovely balance of medium body, lots of juicy fruit and crisp acidity.—
Cathrine Todd,
Forbes.com,
16 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Callous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/callous. Accessed 6 Feb. 2026.
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