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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.

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

From Slate • Apr. 13, 2026

Welcome to L'Enfer du Nord - the Hell of the North - as cycling's most brutal race, Paris-Roubaix, is known.

From BBC • Apr. 13, 2026

Whether driven by survival needs, conflict, or both, this behavior reveals a complex and sometimes brutal side of Neanderthal life.

From Science Daily • Apr. 12, 2026

“Depreciation is brutal, so find one in near mint condition and save a lot,” Taylor adds.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 10, 2026

Aside from these brutal tactics, the steel companies also used another strikebreaking strategy.

From "1919 The Year That Changed America" by Martin W. Sandler

Vocabulary lists containing brutal

Wintry Words

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The Crossover

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Sugar Changed the World

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