1
as in horror
the quality of inspiring intense dread or dismay
the undeniable atrocity of the forced march of Cherokees known as the Trail of Tears
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in badness
the state or quality of being utterly evil
was appalled by the atrocity of Stalin's mass executions
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in cruelty
disposition to willfully inflict pain and suffering on others
wars often unleash a level of atrocity that would be unimaginable in peacetime
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 atrocity
In his remarks, Leo referenced world atrocities, including the conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine, noting that reporters are risking their lives to provide truth to communities across the globe.
—
Ashleigh Fields, The Hill, 9 Oct. 2025
And when that happens, that makes atrocities all that much easier to perpetrate.
—Domenica Bongiovanni, IndyStar, 9 Oct. 2025
The enduring dilemma—then as now—is that the passions aroused over atrocities can be easily abused.
—Literary Hub, 9 Oct. 2025
Rewarding terrorism only fuels more atrocities against Israel, and emboldens those who target Jews around the world.
—Ofir Akunis, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for atrocity
Ashleigh Fields, The Hill, 9 Oct. 2025
And when that happens, that makes atrocities all that much easier to perpetrate.
—Domenica Bongiovanni, IndyStar, 9 Oct. 2025
The enduring dilemma—then as now—is that the passions aroused over atrocities can be easily abused.
—Literary Hub, 9 Oct. 2025
Rewarding terrorism only fuels more atrocities against Israel, and emboldens those who target Jews around the world.
—Ofir Akunis, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for atrocity
Recent Examples of Synonyms for atrocity
Noun
-
As for West, the director made a name for himself in the horror genre with his A24 trilogy that started with X in 2022, followed that same year by Pearl and wrapping with last year’s MaXXXine.—
Justin Kroll,
Deadline,
23 Oct. 2025
-
One part satire, one part apocalyptic horror, the film was doubtless an inspiration to later outré directors like David Lynch, Jim Jarmusch, and Harmony Korine.—
Erik Morse,
Vogue,
23 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Being tied to the mast of a regime defined by cruelty and graft is a problem of another magnitude entirely.—
Dónal Gill,
The Dial,
28 Oct. 2025
-
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
Noun
-
Biden was slow to react to Netanyahu's growing brutality and, as Harris says in her book, failed to show sufficient empathy for the plight of the Gazans.—
Kate Plummer,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 Oct. 2025
-
The movie begins with a 10-year-old Michael already showing the brutality for which The Shape was known, then flashes forward 15 years to an adult Michael (Tyler Mane) pursuing his younger sister, Laurie (Scout Taylor-Compton).—
Jessica Sager,
PEOPLE,
24 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
The real-life 2005 story involving a Canadian couple who inspired this film is horrifying, and the movie does a great job of capturing the awfulness of being mauled by a bear.—
Vanessa Maki,
Vulture,
8 Oct. 2025
-
Up-market producer David Susskind railed for four hours about the awfulness of the boob tube.—
Thomas Doherty,
HollywoodReporter,
30 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
That was really what helped me into the character and into her evilness.—
William Earl,
Variety,
4 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Atrocity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/atrocity. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share