1
as in brutal
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in harsh
difficult to endure
the cruel climate of the Arctic
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in painful
hard to accept or bear especially emotionally
the cruel situation of being orphaned at an early age
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in malicious
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
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 cruel
Los Angeles Times, 14 Apr. 2025
If Bonhoeffer’s example is used to justify more far-right Christian violence in America, that would be another tragedy — and a cruel irony that would stain the legacy of a man who gave up everything to confront a tyrant.
—John Blake, CNN Money, 13 Apr. 2025
The Guardians of the Galaxy director's upcoming film stars David Corenswet as Superman, Rachel Brosnahan as reporter Lois Lane, and Nicholas Hoult as the brilliant and cruel billionaire Lex Luthor.
—Randall Colburn, EW.com, 12 Apr. 2025
The whole plotline is frankly cruel and premised around the idea that actors are idiots who shouldn’t be encouraged to think for themselves.
—Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 11 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for cruel
Adjective
This is a different kind of World War II love story, about a hidden jewel and the power of radio waves and the mysterious ways in which human decency can survive even the cruelest circumstances.
—Los Angeles Times, 14 Apr. 2025
If Bonhoeffer’s example is used to justify more far-right Christian violence in America, that would be another tragedy — and a cruel irony that would stain the legacy of a man who gave up everything to confront a tyrant.
—John Blake, CNN Money, 13 Apr. 2025
The Guardians of the Galaxy director's upcoming film stars David Corenswet as Superman, Rachel Brosnahan as reporter Lois Lane, and Nicholas Hoult as the brilliant and cruel billionaire Lex Luthor.
—Randall Colburn, EW.com, 12 Apr. 2025
The whole plotline is frankly cruel and premised around the idea that actors are idiots who shouldn’t be encouraged to think for themselves.
—Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 11 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for cruel
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cruel
Adjective
-
This high school student completed a brutal swim across New Zealand's 13.67-mile Cook Strait 02:16 CNN — Maya Merhige eventually stopped counting her jellyfish stings, such was the frequency with which they were getting scorched against her skin.—
George Ramsay,
CNN Money,
30 Apr. 2025
-
Although understanding the difference between destructive and constructive feedback helps leaders communicate brutal truths without causing unnecessary harm, these examples highlight how easily criticism can become a personal attack.—
Topsie VandenBosch,
Forbes.com,
29 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
So, designing the model's apparent personality to be positive and supportive makes sense—people are less likely to use an AI that comes off as harsh or dismissive.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
29 Apr. 2025
-
Wash your hair gently, moisturize regularly with scalp-friendly products, and avoid scratching or harsh brushing.—
Mohammed Soliman,
MSNBC Newsweek,
29 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Like many things in life, trying to fix something later is much more painful.—
Kevin Campbell,
Forbes.com,
29 Apr. 2025
-
Lotions in particular remove hair from the root, are less painful than wax strips, and are much cheaper than laser hair removal and electrolysis.—
Danielle Jackson,
Glamour,
29 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
These attacks work by causing a software package to access the wrong component dependency, for instance by publishing a malicious package and giving it the same name as the legitimate one but with a later version stamp.—
Dan Goodin,
ArsTechnica,
29 Apr. 2025
-
The best way to safeguard yourself from malicious links that install malware, potentially accessing your private information, is to have antivirus software installed on all your devices.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
27 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
There’s a great line: Honesty without compassion equals cruelty.—
Jayson Jenks,
New York Times,
26 Apr. 2025
-
In each of these films, cruelty commingles with tenderness, and hideous acts take place against backdrops of often stunning natural beauty.—
Justin Chang,
New Yorker,
25 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Sandhagen dispatched Edgar with a vicious flying knee 28 seconds into that bout.—
Trent Reinsmith,
Forbes.com,
28 Apr. 2025
-
With two hits, one hit-by-pitch and zero outs recorded, Williams then left the mound to a vicious chorus of boos as Aaron Boone summoned Mark Leiter Jr. — not Weaver — from the bullpen.—
Gary Phillips,
New York Daily News,
26 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Employees have a tough time trusting a leader whose actions do not follow their words.—
Mona Andrews,
Forbes.com,
28 Apr. 2025
-
Published in English, Tehelka had a small circulation but an outsized reputation for tough investigations.—
Andrew Marantz,
New Yorker,
28 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Before embarking on an NBA career that's already filled with exhilarating highs and torturous lows, Pritchard helped lead the Oregon Ducks to their first Final Four appearance since the inaugural NCAA men's basketball tournament.—
Bobby Krivitsky,
Forbes.com,
16 Apr. 2025
-
This is like one of Larry David's torturous self-debates on Curb Your Enthusiasm, but without his perverse genius, his wheedling, preening hostility.—
Tom Gliatto,
People.com,
26 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Cruel.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cruel. Accessed 5 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share