ruthless

adjective

ˈrüth-ləs How to pronounce ruthless (audio)
Definition of ruthlessnext
as in merciless
having or showing a lack of sympathy or tender feelings an office supervisor with a ruthless disregard for others' feelings

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Example Sentences

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 ruthless Just look at the most recent team sales in the NBA, which have been a collection of messy deals, controversy and fairly ruthless operations. — Eben Novy-Williams, Sportico.com, 17 Aug. 2026 Of all the despots in the region, the Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad was perhaps the most ruthless in crushing dissent. — Andrew Marantz, New Yorker, 17 Aug. 2026 James, Lord Dalhousie, the arrogant and ruthless Governor General of British India, who had long coveted the riches of Punjab and the Koh-i-Noor, was triumphant. — Hadley Hall Meares, Vanity Fair, 17 Aug. 2026 Charming yet ruthless, William’s approach stands in stark contrast to that of Hal and John. — Skyler Trepel, PEOPLE, 16 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for ruthless
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ruthless
  1. merciless
  2. stony
Adjective
  • In Braun’s script, the merciless obstacle course of singlehood seems just absurd.
    — Faith Hill, The Atlantic, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Regehr was relentless and merciless, and Oilers fans had to witness it over and over again.
    — Sean McIndoe, New York Times, 25 July 2026
Definition of merciless
Adjective
  • Oscar Wilde, for example, reposes beneath a hulking deity whose iconoclastic castration, back in 1961, did little to restrain pilgrims seeking to smear red lips across his stony physique.
    — Emily Cox, ARTnews.com, 22 May 2026
  • Instead of looking like a sleek urban loft, the room can quickly start to feel cold, stony, and impersonal.
    — Natasha Bazika, Martha Stewart, 9 May 2026
Definition of stony

Browse Nearby Words

ruthful
ruthless
ruthlessly
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“Ruthless.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ruthless. Accessed 21 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on ruthless

Nglish: Translation of ruthless for Spanish Speakers

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