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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.

“February was brutal because we thought we were in a buyer’s market. Lots of properties had been sitting since the fall,” said Ashley Moorhead, a lawyer who’d been shopping for homes since December.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 15, 2026

And given that, the brutal, legend-humbling race, all grit and grind, makes perfect sense.

From BBC • Apr. 13, 2026

"Life is brutal, but it is also a paradise, and it's about going through many different moments," said Sonza, who is from Rio Grande do Sul in southern Brazil.

From Barron's • Apr. 13, 2026

Or maybe you think about the brutal reaction his work provoked from conservatives.

From Slate • Apr. 13, 2026

"Winter's gonna be brutal this year. We got off lucky last year."

From "The Sky at Our Feet" by Nadia Hashimi

Vocabulary lists containing brutal

Wintry Words

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The Crossover

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Sugar Changed the World

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!