1
as in troublesome
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2
as in pitying
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Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ruthful
Adjective
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During the Cold War, this meant limiting the Soviet Union’s influence in the region, while contending with the development of nuclear weapons by two troublesome allies, Israel and Pakistan.—
Jeffrey Taliaferro,
The Conversation,
11 Apr. 2026 -
That can be troublesome as consumers are grappling with higher grocery prices and strained budgets.—
Betty Lin-Fisher,
USA Today,
10 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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The film not only records this injustice but also illustrates the possibility of friendship across divides, delivering a poignant exploration of the occupation.—
Patrick Hipes,
Deadline,
23 Apr. 2026
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There’s always at least one tone that defines a season—in recent times, butter yellow, chocolate brown, and cherry red have all been top contenders—but what seemed particularly impactful this season was how many brands embraced poignant palettes.—
Kristina Rutkowski,
Vogue,
21 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Hochman has faced criticism for his handling of police use-of-force cases, with some questioning his decisions to offer lenient plea deals and dismiss charges against several officers.—
James Queally,
Los Angeles Times,
16 Apr. 2026
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Keep expectations lenient, and keep actions grounded.—
Tarot.com,
Hartford Courant,
2 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Violators could be ticketed similar to a non-moving violation for a driver.—
Jim Turner,
Sun Sentinel,
18 Mar. 2026
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Each wrong turn is bittersweet, making the eventual reunion even more moving and meaningful.—
Zac Ntim,
Deadline,
17 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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The outcome, a 4-3 overtime win over the Los Angeles Kings, was at least something fun for the fans to enjoy at the merciful conclusion of a memorably miserable year.—
Thomas Drance,
New York Times,
15 Apr. 2026
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Ever since Jimmy Butler tore his ACL in January, the only reprieve from this slog of a campaign has been the promise of a swift, merciful end.—
Dieter Kurtenbach,
Mercury News,
13 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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The Canadian filmmaker Sophy Romvari does something similar with the new movie Blue Heron, a semi-autobiographical piece whose structure loops in on itself, melding fact and fiction into a doleful portrait of a family tragedy.—
Richard Lawson,
HollywoodReporter,
16 Apr. 2026
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Black Hills bucket-listing aside, time here is best spent tubing and fishing on the river, luxuriating in the infrared sauna, or listening to a doleful coyote song under a blanket of stars.—
Ashlea Halpern,
Time,
12 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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By combining the material with airy grasses and perennials, Grace has designed a soft-looking, drought-tolerant space that's also easygoing.—
Elizabeth Jardina,
Better Homes & Gardens,
20 Apr. 2026
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Look for heat- and drought-tolerant heirloom varieties like ‘Rattlesnake’ and ‘Mbombo’ that are still productive during dry conditions.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
18 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Each emotional beat arrives with soft footsteps, and is all the more affecting for it.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
15 Apr. 2026
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But the most affecting moment – both in song and on the album – comes at the end, with Bono singing a capella, his voice catching on the final lines as the song ends cold.—
Melissa Ruggieri,
USA Today,
5 Apr. 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Ruthful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ruthful. Accessed 27 Apr. 2026.
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