|
|
cru·el
 cruel
- pronunciation:
- krul
[or]
kru
 l
| part of speech: |
adjective |
| inflections: |
crueler, cruelest |
| definition 1: |
inclined to inflict or intentionally inflicting pain, hardship, or suffering.
a cruel dictator- synonyms:
- barbarous, brutal, merciless, sadistic, savage, truculent, vicious
- antonyms:
- charitable, compassionate, humane, merciful
- similar words:
- diabolical, ferocious, fiendish, fierce, malevolent, malicious, mean, oppressive, ruthless, satanic
|
| definition 2: |
unconcerned with or enjoying other people's suffering.
- synonyms:
- callous, cold-blooded, hardhearted, heartless, inhuman, inhumane, insensitive, merciless, pitiless, ruthless, sadistic, unfeeling
- antonyms:
- caring, compassionate, gracious
- similar words:
- bestial, brutal, fiendish
|
| definition 3: |
resulting in suffering.
a cruel firea cruel hoax- synonyms:
- fierce
- antonyms:
- harmless
- similar words:
- bitter, brutal, ferocious, grim, harsh, intense, savage, severe, violent
|
| related words: |
atrocious, brute, callous, hardhearted, insensitive, obdurate, outrageous, pitiless, relentless, sharp, spiteful, vicious, wanton |
| derivations: |
cruelly (adv.), cruelness (n.) |
|
|