cruelty-free

adjective

cru·​el·​ty-free ˈkrü(-ə)l-tē-ˈfrē How to pronounce cruelty-free (audio)
: developed or produced without inhumane testing on animals
cruelty-free cosmetics

Examples of cruelty-free in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
These days, that answer is more complicated than just cruelty-free. Gia Yetikyel, Vogue, 26 Apr. 2025 Tarte Cosmetics is renowned for its high-quality, cruelty-free line of easy-to-use, life-proof products, all powered by nourishing ingredients. Nora Colomer, FOXNews.com, 23 Apr. 2025 Founded in 2021, Below 60 creates cruelty-free home fragrances free from dyes, phthalates, parabens and formaldehydes. Renan Botelho, Footwear News, 23 Apr. 2025 In addition to its non-aerosol mist, its ingredients are clean, sustainable, vegan, cruelty-free, sulfate-free and paraben-free. Tanya Benedicto Klich, Forbes.com, 22 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for cruelty-free

Word History

First Known Use

1983, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cruelty-free was in 1983

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Cite this Entry

“Cruelty-free.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cruelty-free. Accessed 2 May. 2025.

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