hurtful

adjective

hurt·​ful ˈhərt-fəl How to pronounce hurtful (audio)
Synonyms of hurtfulnext
: causing injury, detriment, or suffering : damaging
hurtfully
ˈhərt-fə-lē How to pronounce hurtful (audio)
adverb
hurtfulness noun

Synonyms of hurtful

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Examples of hurtful in a Sentence

She can't forgive him for the hurtful things he said. Their comments were really hurtful to me.
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.
Sarcasm is an interesting thing because it can be viewed by some people as funny and other people as hurtful. — Jim Harrington, Mercury News, 12 Aug. 2026 Sensing his son’s remorse for his hurtful words, dad was then able to have what seemed to be a helpful conversation with him about consent, accountability, and what to do when teasing crosses the line. — Christian Dashiell, Parents, 1 Aug. 2026 To have people tearing her down and making hurtful and untrue claims is bad enough but to drag her children into it is just beyond the pale. — Stylecaster Editors, StyleCaster, 14 July 2026 This was extremely hurtful to me. — Jacobina Martin, Washington Post, 20 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for hurtful

Word History

First Known Use

1526, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of hurtful was in 1526

Browse Nearby Words

hurt for
hurtful
hurtle
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Cite this Entry

“Hurtful.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hurtful. Accessed 15 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

hurtful

adjective
hurt·​ful ˈhərt-fəl How to pronounce hurtful (audio)
: causing injury or suffering : damaging
hurtfully
-fə-lē How to pronounce hurtful (audio)
adverb
hurtfulness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on hurtful

Nglish: Translation of hurtful for Spanish Speakers

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