cruelty
noun
cru·el·ty
ˈkrü(-ə)l-tē 
plural cruelties
1
: the quality or state of being cruel
2
a
: a cruel action
b
: inhuman treatment
3
: marital conduct held (as in a divorce action) to endanger life or health or to cause mental suffering or fear
Synonyms
Examples of cruelty in a Sentence
a dictator known for his cruelty
The cruelty of children can be surprising.
They protested against cruelty to animals.
Recent Examples on the Web
Blood is seen pouring out of skinned animals, the near-constant cruelty of the state’s differing climates is apparent and the ruthless, murderous human beings driven by capitalism and colonialism are lethal.
—
Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 9 Jan. 2025
Meagan Ann Dixon, 44, is charged with murder, child endangerment and multiple counts of cruelty to animals in connection to the slayings, Sutter County Superior Court records show.
—Natalie Neysa Alund, USA TODAY, 8 Jan. 2025
Suchi, financially desperate, marries a man whose cruelty deflates her.
—Kayla Maiuri, New York Times, 3 Jan. 2025
The regulations are designed not only to curb cruelty but also to ensure the long-term sustainability of South Australia’s marine ecosystems, where these animals play vital roles as predators and ecosystem engineers.
—Melissa Cristina Marquez, Forbes, 30 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for cruelty 
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Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 9 Jan. 2025
Meagan Ann Dixon, 44, is charged with murder, child endangerment and multiple counts of cruelty to animals in connection to the slayings, Sutter County Superior Court records show.
—Natalie Neysa Alund, USA TODAY, 8 Jan. 2025
Suchi, financially desperate, marries a man whose cruelty deflates her.
—Kayla Maiuri, New York Times, 3 Jan. 2025
The regulations are designed not only to curb cruelty but also to ensure the long-term sustainability of South Australia’s marine ecosystems, where these animals play vital roles as predators and ecosystem engineers.
—Melissa Cristina Marquez, Forbes, 30 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for cruelty
Dictionary Entries Near cruelty
Cite this Entry
“Cruelty.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cruelty. Accessed 23 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
cruelty
noun
cru·el·ty
ˈkrü-əl-tē
plural cruelties
1
: the quality or state of being cruel
2
: cruel treatment
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