Comprehensive
Dictionary Suite
Help
Help
Help
 
     
Lookup History
cruel

cru·el

cruel

 
 
pronunciation:
krul [or] kru l
features:
Word Combinations (adjective)
part of speech: adjective
inflections: crueler, cruelest
definition 1: inclined to inflict or intentionally inflicting pain, hardship, or suffering.
Their cruel captors tortured them without mercy.Their abusive father was cruel to both him and his sister.The children were sometimes cruel toward their pets.
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.
It is cruel of you to deceive her in this way.
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.
Many people lost their life's savings due to this cruel hoax.The leader's cruel measures brought starvation and death.
synonyms:
fierce
antonyms:
harmless
similar words:
bitter, brutal, ferocious, grim, harsh, intense, savage, severe, violent
Word CombinationsSubscriber feature About this feature
derivations: cruelly (adv.), cruelness (n.)