brutality
noun
bru·tal·i·ty
brü-ˈta-lə-tē 
plural brutalities
1
: the quality or state of being brutal
2
: a brutal act or course of action
Examples of brutality in a Sentence
the brutalities of a prison
the police were accused of brutality for using excessive force in making arrests
Recent Examples on the Web
Good Friday is a day to recognize the brutality of the Roman practice of crucifying criminals and to reflect with sincerity on the sacrifice Jesus Christ made for the world.
—
Nicole Russell, USA Today, 2 Apr. 2026
All are committed to the principles of the 1979 revolution and will rule with greater brutality given their lack of legitimacy.
—Abigail Williams, NBC news, 2 Apr. 2026
Our museums are being told to whitewash American history of any unpleasant or inconvenient facts, like the full history of the brutality of slavery.
—Chris Willman, Variety, 1 Apr. 2026
During the May 2020 George Floyd demonstration, protesters in downtown Los Angeles briefly shut down portions of the 101 Freeway after entering near Alameda Street, temporarily halting traffic to draw attention to the killing of Floyd and broader concerns about police brutality.
—Cierra Morgan, Los Angeles Times, 27 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for brutality
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Nicole Russell, USA Today, 2 Apr. 2026
All are committed to the principles of the 1979 revolution and will rule with greater brutality given their lack of legitimacy.
—Abigail Williams, NBC news, 2 Apr. 2026
Our museums are being told to whitewash American history of any unpleasant or inconvenient facts, like the full history of the brutality of slavery.
—Chris Willman, Variety, 1 Apr. 2026
During the May 2020 George Floyd demonstration, protesters in downtown Los Angeles briefly shut down portions of the 101 Freeway after entering near Alameda Street, temporarily halting traffic to draw attention to the killing of Floyd and broader concerns about police brutality.
—Cierra Morgan, Los Angeles Times, 27 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for brutality
Cite this Entry
“Brutality.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/brutality. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
brutality
noun
bru·tal·i·ty
brü-ˈtal-ət-ē
plural brutalities
1
: the quality or state of being brutal
2
: a brutal act or course of action
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