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
Initially, the couple was arrested on charges of first-degree manslaughter, first-degree unlawful restraint, intentional cruelty to persons, risk of injury to a minor and conspiracy to commit risk of injury to a minor.
—
Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 28 Apr. 2026
There was a particular cruelty in having lived with her hearing for 28 years before losing it.
—Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 28 Apr. 2026
Current political events offer a seemingly endless procession of cruelties worth avenging.
—Charlie Tyson, The Atlantic, 27 Apr. 2026
The national conversation is dominated by cruelty, division, and fear.
—Michael Schneider, Variety, 27 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for cruelty
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Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 28 Apr. 2026
There was a particular cruelty in having lived with her hearing for 28 years before losing it.
—Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 28 Apr. 2026
Current political events offer a seemingly endless procession of cruelties worth avenging.
—Charlie Tyson, The Atlantic, 27 Apr. 2026
The national conversation is dominated by cruelty, division, and fear.
—Michael Schneider, Variety, 27 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for cruelty
Cite this Entry
“Cruelty.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cruelty. Accessed 4 May. 2026.
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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