brutality

noun

bru·​tal·​i·​ty brü-ˈta-lə-tē How to pronounce brutality (audio)
plural brutalities
Synonyms of brutalitynext
1
: the quality or state of being brutal
2
: a brutal act or course of action

Synonyms of brutality

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Examples of brutality in a Sentence

the brutalities of a prison the police were accused of brutality for using excessive force in making arrests
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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.
Those remaining alive use any means necessary to stay that way, resulting in instability, brutality and, more hopefully, connection. — Emily Zemler, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026 The two countries share a long history of brutality at the hands of Russia, and Poland remains a key ally to Ukraine in the war. — ABC News, 25 Aug. 2026 As the violence intensifies, the two men search for ways to escape the brutality surrounding them, if only briefly. — Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 25 Aug. 2026 In 2020, she was jailed for taking part in an anti-police brutality protest near the Kremlin with Pussy Riot, clad in their synonymous pink balaclavas. — Hikmat Mohammed, ARTnews.com, 25 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for brutality

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Medieval Latin brūtālitāt-, brūtālitās, from brūtālis "brutish, bestial" + Latin -itāt-, -itās -ity — more at brutal

First Known Use

1550, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of brutality was in 1550

Rhymes for brutality

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Browse Nearby Words

brutalitarian
brutality
brutalization
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Cite this Entry

“Brutality.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/brutality. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

brutality

noun
bru·​tal·​i·​ty brü-ˈtal-ət-ē How to pronounce brutality (audio)
plural brutalities
1
: the quality or state of being brutal
2
: a brutal act or course of action
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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