cruel

adjective

cru·​el ˈkrü(-ə)l How to pronounce cruel (audio)
crueler or crueller; cruelest or cruellest
Synonyms of cruel
1
: disposed to inflict pain or suffering : devoid of humane feelings
a cruel tyrant
has a cruel heart
2
a
: causing or conducive to injury, grief, or pain
a cruel joke
a cruel twist of fate
b
: unrelieved by leniency
cruel punishment
cruelly
ˈkrü-(ə-)lē How to pronounce cruel (audio)
adverb
cruelness noun

Synonyms of cruel

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fierce, ferocious, barbarous, savage, cruel mean showing fury or malignity in looks or actions.

fierce applies to humans and animals that inspire terror because of their wild and menacing aspect or fury in attack.

fierce warriors

ferocious implies extreme fierceness and unrestrained violence and brutality.

a ferocious dog

barbarous implies a ferocity or mercilessness regarded as unworthy of civilized people.

barbarous treatment of prisoners

savage implies the absence of inhibitions restraining civilized people filled with rage, lust, or other violent passion.

a savage criminal

cruel implies indifference to suffering and even positive pleasure in inflicting it.

the cruel jokes of schoolboys

Examples of cruel in a Sentence

a cruel twist of fate Hunger is a cruel fact of nature.
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.
Having Sheridan actually be a cruel person was one of the key audience expectations the writer-director hoped to flip in the pursuit of laughs. — William Earl, Variety, 28 Aug. 2026 But Triage does have a moment in which an ember of the old cruel optimism flickers. — Charles Finch, The Atlantic, 28 Aug. 2026 So too Alien, with its cruel interstellar intimacy, its metallic shadows and gooey whites. — Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 27 Aug. 2026 The old worst dressed lists could be cruel, sexist, culturally ignorant, and spectacularly misguided. — Derek C. Blasberg, Vanity Fair, 27 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for cruel

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin crudelis, from crudus — see crude entry 1

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of cruel was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing cruel

Rhymes for cruel

See All Rhymes for cruel

Browse Nearby Words

crudo
cruel
cruel and unusual punishment
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

cruel

adjective
cru·​el ˈkrü-əl How to pronounce cruel (audio)
crueler or crueller; cruelest or cruellest
1
: ready to hurt others : without humane feelings
a cruel ruler
2
a
: causing or helping to cause suffering
a cruel joke
b
: showing no mercy
cruel punishment
cruelly
ˈkrü-ə-lē How to pronounce cruel (audio)
adverb
cruelness noun
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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