cruelty-free

adjective

cru·​el·​ty-free ˈkrü(-ə)l-tē-ˈfrē How to pronounce cruelty-free (audio)
Synonyms of cruelty-freenext
: developed or produced without inhumane testing on animals
cruelty-free cosmetics

Examples of cruelty-free in a Sentence

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.
Pair your time in the pool with relaxing massages and facials, the former with organic oils scented with herbs and flowers from the island, and the latter with products from Rowse, the natural and cruelty-free cosmetics brand. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Aug. 2026 The bar is plant-based and cruelty-free, and one is the equivalent of 16 12-ounce bottles of liquid body wash. — Catherine Garcia, TheWeek, 21 July 2026 Better Not Younger is also a cruelty-free brand and does not test its products on animals. — Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 10 July 2026 Being a cruelty-free company with mostly vegan options, Sol de Janeiro creates clean products that are free of parabens, sulfates and phthalates. — Bestreviews, Mercury News, 9 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for cruelty-free

Word History

First Known Use

1983, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cruelty-free was in 1983

Rhymes for cruelty-free

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Browse Nearby Words

cruelty
cruelty-free
cruentation
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Cruelty-free.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cruelty-free. Accessed 3 Sep. 2026.

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