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
After shifting power to the people—like a year-plus bus boycott can do, for example—and getting the government to lessen its corruption, cruelty, injustice or violence, defending those gains is a must.
—
Michael Shank, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Oct. 2025
This creates an unchecked culture of humiliation, and makes the social media world for Gen Z a place where accountability is absent and cruelty is rewarded.
—Eli Thompson, Rolling Stone, 25 Oct. 2025
Inventiveness, cruelty, the playful distortion and extension of passing time had just gone too far.
—Joy Williams, Harpers Magazine, 24 Oct. 2025
Akeem Pierre, 42, was charged in municipal court in Dorchester Thursday with animal cruelty and animal cruelty by a custodian.
—Flint McColgan, Boston Herald, 23 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for cruelty
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Michael Shank, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Oct. 2025
This creates an unchecked culture of humiliation, and makes the social media world for Gen Z a place where accountability is absent and cruelty is rewarded.
—Eli Thompson, Rolling Stone, 25 Oct. 2025
Inventiveness, cruelty, the playful distortion and extension of passing time had just gone too far.
—Joy Williams, Harpers Magazine, 24 Oct. 2025
Akeem Pierre, 42, was charged in municipal court in Dorchester Thursday with animal cruelty and animal cruelty by a custodian.
—Flint McColgan, Boston Herald, 23 Oct. 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 31 Oct. 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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