CRUELNESS Synonyms: 63 Similar and Opposite Words

cruelness

noun

Definition of cruelness

as in cruelty

disposition to willfully inflict pain and suffering on others far from being healers, the doctors in the Nazi death camps were notable for their senseless cruelness

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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.

Recent Examples of cruelness But again, Kristen, this is – this is cruelness. — NBC news, 30 Nov. 2025

Recent Examples of Synonyms for cruelness

Noun

Assembly Bill 2344 by Assemblymember Matt Haney (D-San Francisco) would give animals seized in cruelty cases a respite from crowded shelters by allowing them to be placed in foster homes or with animal rescue groups.

— Dakota Smith, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026
The stupidity of losing his car was one thing; the cruelty of forcing her to make that choice was quite another.

— Emily Ruskovich, The Atlantic, 7 July 2026

Definition of cruelty

Noun

Lee learned much about the systemic oppression that Black Americans faced from his first student, Jesse Glover, who had been a victim of police brutality.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026
These early precedents in fictional brutality also weaken Thomson’s next point, about literature’s superiority.

— Michael O’Donnell, The Atlantic, 2 July 2026

Definition of brutality

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cruelly

cruelness

cruelty

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“Cruelness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cruelness. Accessed 9 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of cruelness

noun

Example Sentences

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