cruelty

noun

cru·​el·​ty ˈkrü(-ə)l-tē How to pronounce cruelty (audio)
plural cruelties
Synonyms of crueltynext
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

Synonyms of cruelty

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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
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.
Law enforcement sources involved in the case told WJZ that the horse was being cared for by someone who is facing animal cruelty and abandonment charges in an unrelated case in West Virginia. — Tara Lynch, CBS News, 25 Aug. 2026 The real problem is the culture, and when culture rewards cruelty, the damage spreads. — Jodi Bondi Norgaard, Chicago Tribune, 24 Aug. 2026 For all the show’s cruelty, one of Klausner’s rules was that Julie and Billy would never seriously turn on each other. — Seth Abramovitch, HollywoodReporter, 21 Aug. 2026 Behind the scenes, this gritty, impoverished circus company wrestles with violence, illness and animal cruelty. — Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for cruelty

Word History

Etymology

Middle English cruelte, from Anglo-French cruelté, from Latin crudelitat-, crudelitas, from crudelis

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of cruelty was in the 13th century

Phrases Containing cruelty

Browse Nearby Words

cruels
cruelty
cruelty-free
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Cite this Entry

“Cruelty.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cruelty. Accessed 28 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

cruelty

noun
cru·​el·​ty ˈkrü-əl-tē How to pronounce cruelty (audio)
plural cruelties
1
: the quality or state of being cruel
2
: cruel treatment

Legal Definition

cruelty

noun
cru·​el·​ty
plural cruelties
1
a
: an intentional or criminally negligent act that causes pain and suffering
cruelty to animals
cruelty to children
b
: mistreatment or neglect that causes pain and suffering compare abuse

Note: Cruelty is an aggravating circumstance to a crime (as murder).

2
: a spouse's conduct that endangers life or health or causes mental suffering or fear

called also cruel and inhuman treatment

Note: Cruelty is a ground for divorce.

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