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
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
There’s a great line: Honesty without compassion equals cruelty.
—
Jayson Jenks, New York Times, 26 Apr. 2025
In each of these films, cruelty commingles with tenderness, and hideous acts take place against backdrops of often stunning natural beauty.
—Justin Chang, New Yorker, 25 Apr. 2025
Trump’s cruelty to migrants reminds us what Easter is about, columnist Gustavo Arellano writes.
—Ryan Fonseca, Los Angeles Times, 21 Apr. 2025
The dog was given to Jacksonville Animal Services, and the couple initially faced a charge of cruelty to animals, but the charge was dropped as part of a plea agreement.
—Charlotte Phillipp, People.com, 20 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for cruelty
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Jayson Jenks, New York Times, 26 Apr. 2025
In each of these films, cruelty commingles with tenderness, and hideous acts take place against backdrops of often stunning natural beauty.
—Justin Chang, New Yorker, 25 Apr. 2025
Trump’s cruelty to migrants reminds us what Easter is about, columnist Gustavo Arellano writes.
—Ryan Fonseca, Los Angeles Times, 21 Apr. 2025
The dog was given to Jacksonville Animal Services, and the couple initially faced a charge of cruelty to animals, but the charge was dropped as part of a plea agreement.
—Charlotte Phillipp, People.com, 20 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for cruelty
Cite this Entry
“Cruelty.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cruelty. Accessed 2 May. 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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