Thesaurus
Synonyms & Antonyms of cruel
1
having or showing the desire to inflict severe pain and suffering on others
- a cruel dictator who tortured anyone who dared to speak out against him
- cruel and unusual punishments are forbidden by the U.S. Constitution
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2
difficult to endure
- the cruel climate of the Arctic
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3
hard to accept or bear especially emotionally
- the cruel situation of being orphaned at an early age
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4
having or showing a desire to cause someone pain or suffering for the sheer enjoyment of it
- the bully was fond of making cruel little jabs at his victim's sore points
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Time Traveler for cruel
The first known use of cruel was in the 14th century
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