cruelness

noun

Definition of cruelnessnext
as in cruelty
disposition to willfully inflict pain and suffering on others far from being healers, the doctors in the Nazi death camps were notable for their senseless cruelness

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of cruelness But again, Kristen, this is – this is cruelness. — NBC news, 30 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cruelness
  1. cruelty
  2. brutality
Noun
  • Orange County prosecutors also charged Nguyen with animal cruelty and animal abuse by a caretaker, both felonies, and a sentencing enhancement alleging the personal use of a weapon.
    — Terry Castleman, Los Angeles Times, 31 Oct. 2026
  • What readers are saying The comments express outrage and sadness over the cruelty inflicted on kittens, with many calling for harsher penalties for animal abuse.
    — Kyle Melnick, Washington Post, 31 Oct. 2026
Definition of cruelty
Noun
  • The story is organized by the seasons, and the director uses changes in the weather and the light to build the picture’s gathering mood of ossified brutality.
    — Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 6 Nov. 2026
  • The brutality of American immigration enforcement is nothing new.
    — Francisco Cantú, New Yorker, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of brutality

Browse Nearby Words

cruelly
cruelness
cruelty
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Cruelness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cruelness. Accessed 8 Nov. 2026.

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