atrocity

noun

atroc·​i·​ty ə-ˈträ-sə-tē How to pronounce atrocity (audio)
plural atrocities
Synonyms of atrocity
1
: a shockingly bad or atrocious act, object, or situation
the atrocities of war
2
: the quality or state of being atrocious
… the paralysing atrocity of the thought which occupied her.—Joseph Conrad

Synonyms of atrocity

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Examples of atrocity in a Sentence

Atrocities were committed by forces on both sides of the conflict. Who could be capable of such atrocity?
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
From the new arrivals, Dresdeners heard the harrowing tales of mass rapes, murders, and atrocities perpetrated by Russian soldiers eager for revenge. — Literary Hub, 31 Aug. 2026 But a drumbeat of doubt began in Elwood’s head in 2010 on a tour of Sarajevo, where Bosnian-Serb forces had committed atrocities during the war that followed the breakup of Yugoslavia. — Rob Picheta, CNN Money, 30 Aug. 2026 Emergency Lawyers, an independent group documenting atrocities in Sudan, said a drone targeted a group of civilians traveling Thursday in the desert town of Sowdari in North Korodofan state. — ABC News, 28 Aug. 2026 Israel has not only not stopped, but has continued its atrocities, expanding its firepower toward the West Bank, Syria, Lebanon, and Iran. — Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 28 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for atrocity

Word History

Etymology

see atrocious

First Known Use

1534, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of atrocity was in 1534

Rhymes for atrocity

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Browse Nearby Words

atrociousness
atrocity
à trois
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Cite this Entry

“Atrocity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/atrocity. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

atrocity

noun
atroc·​i·​ty ə-ˈträs-ət-ē How to pronounce atrocity (audio)
plural atrocities
1
: the quality or state of being atrocious
2
: something that is atrocious
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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