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Showing results for cruel. Search instead for cruele.
Definitions

cruel

[kroo-uhl] / ˈkru əl /
ADJECTIVE
vicious, pitiless; causing pain
Synonyms
STRONGEST
atrocious barbarous bitter brutal callous cold-blooded evil harsh hateful heartless inhuman inhumane merciless painful relentless ruthless sadistic spiteful tyrannical unkind vicious wicked
WEAK
bestial bloodthirsty brutish degenerate demoniac depraved excruciating ferocious fierce flinty hard hard-hearted hellish implacable inexorable malevolent monstrous pernicious poignant rancorous revengeful sinful unfeeling unnatural unrelenting vengeful virulent
Antonyms
STRONGEST
compassionate considerate decent easy feeling friendly gentle giving good helpful humane kind merciful mild moral nice pleasant pleasing polite sympathetic
WEAK
charitable thoughtful uncruel

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.

Are we still deserving of kindness when someone knows our darkest, most cruel impulses?

From Salon • Apr. 3, 2026

Given a slight tweak, “The Stranger” could be a film noir about a man who simply drifts along the currents of a cruel universe.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 2, 2026

Russian women say the idea of "therapising" them into having children is coercive, cruel and unworkable, and will do little to reverse declining birth rates -- currently at their lowest in 200 years.

From Barron's • Apr. 1, 2026

Would the successor to the coin-toss be any less cruel?

From BBC • Mar. 28, 2026

"What does it mean, 'One is cruel, one is fair'?" demanded Marlie.

From "Rowan of Rin" by Emily Rodda

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.