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
His cruelty increased, as his ambitious views extended.
—
Marlene L. Daut
september 22, Literary Hub, 22 Sep. 2025
Stein faces a charge of cruelty to an animal with serious bodily injury, Fort Worth police said.
—Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 21 Sep. 2025
During his latest media availability, Murray sought to ease any animal cruelty concerns his photo may have raised.
—Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 19 Sep. 2025
The problem is that the narrative is taken over by both Larsa and Adriana, who don’t have any bones in their bodies at all, only cruelty.
—Brian Moylan, Vulture, 19 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for cruelty
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Marlene L. Daut
september 22, Literary Hub, 22 Sep. 2025
Stein faces a charge of cruelty to an animal with serious bodily injury, Fort Worth police said.
—Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 21 Sep. 2025
During his latest media availability, Murray sought to ease any animal cruelty concerns his photo may have raised.
—Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 19 Sep. 2025
The problem is that the narrative is taken over by both Larsa and Adriana, who don’t have any bones in their bodies at all, only cruelty.
—Brian Moylan, Vulture, 19 Sep. 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 23 Sep. 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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