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
Conversely, Colum, devastated by his disability, has a pension for cruelty.
—
Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 31 July 2025
An Indiana woman arrested last month for animal cruelty while on probation in a separate animal torture case should return to prison, a judge ruled on July 29.
—Ryan Murphy, IndyStar, 30 July 2025
Gurley was charged with with reckless endangerment, aggravated cruelty to animals, arson, torture and injuring an animal.
—Nicholas Williams, New York Daily News, 30 July 2025
Not to spoil anything, but the message is that the only cure for cruelty is not revenge, but decency.
—Jesse David Fox, Vulture, 30 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for cruelty
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Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 31 July 2025
An Indiana woman arrested last month for animal cruelty while on probation in a separate animal torture case should return to prison, a judge ruled on July 29.
—Ryan Murphy, IndyStar, 30 July 2025
Gurley was charged with with reckless endangerment, aggravated cruelty to animals, arson, torture and injuring an animal.
—Nicholas Williams, New York Daily News, 30 July 2025
Not to spoil anything, but the message is that the only cure for cruelty is not revenge, but decency.
—Jesse David Fox, Vulture, 30 July 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 7 Aug. 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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