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Definitions

brutal

[broot-l] / ˈbrut l /
ADJECTIVE
cruel, remorseless
Synonyms
STRONGEST
barbarous callous ferocious harsh inhuman merciless rough rude ruthless savage severe vicious
WEAK
bloodthirsty gruff hard heartless impolite insensitive pitiless remorseless uncivil uncivilized unfeeling unmannerly unmerciful
Antonyms
STRONGEST
calm civilized compassionate courteous easy friendly gentle giving kind mild nice polished polite refined smooth sophisticated sympathetic tame temperate tender
WEAK
generous humane
ADJECTIVE
crude, rough
Synonyms
STRONGEST
inhuman inhumane rude savage
WEAK
animal bearish beastly bestial brute brutish carnal coarse feral ferine swinish unfeeling
Antonyms
STRONGEST
kind nice
WEAK
generous gentle humane

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Dubois suffered a brutal fifth-round stoppage loss to Usyk in his last fight, and will look to return to winning ways against his British rival.

From BBC • Apr. 12, 2026

Layoffs have been a brutal reality across the entertainment industry for the past few years.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 9, 2026

Software stocks are experiencing another brutal selloff on Thursday, and one technical strategist suggests more pain could be ahead for the beaten-down sector.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 9, 2026

A new EV might help Tesla stock break out of a brutal slump.

From Barron's • Apr. 9, 2026

Despite these brutal acts, the Powhatans continued to resist encroachment.

From "An Indigenous People’s History of the United States" by Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz

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