Synonyms for

Atrocities

Verb / ʌˈtrɑ:sʌti:z / Another word for atrocities — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

Atrocities means extremely cruel or wicked acts, often involving violence.

Synonyms & similar words

barbarousness atrocity barbarity inhumanity heinousness atrociousness cruelties brutalities barbarities outrages abuses violations injustices offenses wrongs evils villainies monstrosities savageries misdemeanors transgressions misdeeds sins crimes

Synonyms by register

Formal

abominations barbarities inhumanities outrages

Informal

horrors terrible things awful acts atrocities

Literary

heinous deeds monstrous acts unspeakable crimes

Antonyms

kindnesses benevolences virtues good deeds humanities compassions

Common collocations

  • war atrocities
  • human rights atrocities
  • commit atrocities
  • atrocities of war
  • prevent atrocities
  • atrocities against civilians
  • document atrocities

Word family

noun atrocity
adjective atrocious

Usage note

This word refers to extremely wicked or cruel acts, often on a large scale. It carries a strong negative connotation and is typically used in formal contexts, especially when discussing war crimes or severe human rights violations.

Example sentences

  1. The atrocities committed by the dictator were unforgivable.
  2. The survivors of the genocide were haunted by the atrocities they witnessed.
  3. The documentary showed the world the atrocities of the slave trade.
  4. The soldier was traumatized by the atrocities he had to commit in order to survive.
  5. The international community condemned the atrocities committed by the regime.

Quotes

  • Atrocities are not less atrocities when they occur in laboratories and are called medical research. - George Bernard Shaw
  • The worst atrocities of our age are all born of the same unholy alliance between tyranny and technology. - Jason Pontin
  • The greatest atrocities in the world are not committed by people for the sake of evil. They are committed by people who are convinced that what they are doing is right. - Gregory David Roberts

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