Need another word for Cruel? Use these synonyms of Cruel from our thesaurus to say it differently.
Synonyms & Similar Words
brutal
harsh
ruthless
merciless
heartless
inhumane
savage
vicious
callous
cold-blooded
unforgiving
pitiless
relentless
ferocious
barbaric
inconsiderate
unkind
unsympathetic
uncaring
unfeeling
brutalizing
oppressive
tyrannical
dictatorial
mercilessly
heartlessly
inhumanly
barbarously
viciously
savagely
ruthlessly
harshly
coldly
brutally
merciless
pitilessly
Meaning of Cruel
According to the Oxford English Dictionary, "cruel" refers to a person or action that deliberately causes pain or suffering, often in a way that is considered unacceptable or unjust.
Definitions
- Merriam-Webster defines "cruel" as disposed to inflict pain or suffering, or having a desire to cause pain or suffering.
- Cambridge Dictionary describes "cruel" as enjoying or taking pleasure in causing pain or suffering to others, or unkind and unpleasant in a way that causes pain or suffering.
Example Uses
- The cruel treatment of animals in the factory farm was exposed by an undercover investigation.
- The dictator's cruel regime was marked by widespread human rights abuses and brutal suppression of dissent.
- The cruel twist of fate left the family without a home or livelihood after the natural disaster.
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
kind
compassionate
merciful
humane
gentle
benevolent
sympathetic
considerate
caring
lenient
forgiving
tolerant
understanding
mild
moderate
soft
tender
mild
clement
humanitarian
philanthropic
altruistic
generous
charitable
gracious
benevolent
benign