cruelty
noun
cru·el·ty
ˈkrü(-ə)l-tē 
plural cruelties
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
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
The whole movie is about the ways that cruelty and injustice become codified.
—
Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 7 Mar. 2025
Matthew has been charged with first-degree murder, as well as related weapons possession and animal cruelty charges.
—Laura Barcella, People.com, 7 Mar. 2025
The decision was part of an effort to raise awareness of the cruelty caused by the nation's pork industry, according to the Washington Post and The New York Times.
—Anthony Robledo, USA TODAY, 6 Mar. 2025
But two Mickeys will come in handy when Marshall engages in authoritarian military cosplay, an act of cruelty pits the colonists against the aliens, and mutually assured destruction needs to be averted unless 17 can broker a detente.
—David Fear, Rolling Stone, 6 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for cruelty
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Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 7 Mar. 2025
Matthew has been charged with first-degree murder, as well as related weapons possession and animal cruelty charges.
—Laura Barcella, People.com, 7 Mar. 2025
The decision was part of an effort to raise awareness of the cruelty caused by the nation's pork industry, according to the Washington Post and The New York Times.
—Anthony Robledo, USA TODAY, 6 Mar. 2025
But two Mickeys will come in handy when Marshall engages in authoritarian military cosplay, an act of cruelty pits the colonists against the aliens, and mutually assured destruction needs to be averted unless 17 can broker a detente.
—David Fear, Rolling Stone, 6 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for cruelty
Cite this Entry
“Cruelty.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cruelty. Accessed 20 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
cruelty
noun
cru·el·ty
ˈkrü-əl-tē
plural cruelties
1
: the quality or state of being cruel
2
: cruel treatment
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