Synonyms for

Cruel

Verb / ˈkru:ʌl / / kru:l / Another word for cruel — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

Cruel means causing pain or suffering to others without any concern for their feelings.

Synonyms & similar words

roughshod brutal savage fell vicious barbarous ruthless heartless merciless inhumane brutal vicious harsh unkind unkindly mean wicked evil oppressive savage ferocious barbarous sadistic fiendish monstrous cold-hearted

Synonyms by register

Formal

inhumane sadistic brutal callous

Informal

mean nasty wicked vicious

Literary

fell baleful

Antonyms

kind gentle benevolent compassionate merciful humane tender

Common collocations

  • cruel to animals
  • cruel and unusual
  • cruel fate
  • cruel joke
  • cruel intentions
  • cruel world
  • cruel act

Word family

noun cruelty
adjective cruel
adverb cruelly

Usage note

Cruel often implies a deliberate infliction of pain or suffering. It can describe actions, people, or even abstract concepts like fate.

Example sentences

  1. It was cruel of him to say those mean things to her.
  2. The cruel king punished the innocent people.
  3. The teacher's cruel words hurt the student's feelings.
  4. The cruel hunter killed the rare bird.
  5. The cruel joke made everyone uncomfortable.

Quotes

  • The only true love is love at first sight; second sight dispels it. - Israel Zangwill
  • The greatest pleasure in life is doing what people say you cannot do. - Walter Bagehot
  • The only way to get rid of temptation is to yield to it. - Oscar Wilde

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