CRUEL Synonyms: 231 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'cruel' different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of cruel are barbarous , ferocious , fierce , and savage . While all these words mean "showing fury or malignity in looks or actions," cruel implies indifference to suffering and even positive pleasure in inflicting it. // the cruel jokes of schoolboys

Q: When is 'barbarous' a more appropriate choice than 'cruel'?

The synonyms barbarous and cruel are sometimes interchangeable, but barbarous implies a ferocity or mercilessness regarded as unworthy of civilized people. // barbarous treatment of prisoners

Q: When is it sensible to use 'ferocious' instead of 'cruel'?

While the synonyms ferocious and cruel are close in meaning, ferocious implies extreme fierceness and unrestrained violence and brutality. // a ferocious dog

Q: When could 'fierce' be used to replace 'cruel'?

The meanings of fierce and cruel largely overlap; however, fierce applies to humans and animals that inspire terror because of their wild and menacing aspect or fury in attack. // fierce warriors

Q: In what contexts can 'savage' take the place of 'cruel'?

Although the words savage and cruel have much in common, savage implies the absence of inhibitions restraining civilized people filled with rage, lust, or other violent passion. // a savage criminal

cruel

adjective

ˈkrü(-ə)l

Definition of cruel next

as in brutal

having or showing the desire to inflict severe pain and suffering on others a cruel dictator who tortured anyone who dared to speak out against him cruel and unusual punishments are forbidden by the U.S. Constitution

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as in harsh

difficult to endure the cruel climate of the Arctic

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as in painful

hard to accept or bear especially emotionally the cruel situation of being orphaned at an early age

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as in malicious

having or showing a desire to cause someone pain or suffering for the sheer enjoyment of it the bully was fond of making cruel little jabs at his victim's sore points

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word cruel different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of cruel are barbarous, ferocious, fierce, and savage. While all these words mean "showing fury or malignity in looks or actions," cruel implies indifference to suffering and even positive pleasure in inflicting it.

the cruel jokes of schoolboys

When is barbarous a more appropriate choice than cruel?

The synonyms barbarous and cruel are sometimes interchangeable, but barbarous implies a ferocity or mercilessness regarded as unworthy of civilized people.

barbarous treatment of prisoners

When is it sensible to use ferocious instead of cruel?

While the synonyms ferocious and cruel are close in meaning, ferocious implies extreme fierceness and unrestrained violence and brutality.

a ferocious dog

When could fierce be used to replace cruel?

The meanings of fierce and cruel largely overlap; however, fierce applies to humans and animals that inspire terror because of their wild and menacing aspect or fury in attack.

fierce warriors

In what contexts can savage take the place of cruel?

Although the words savage and cruel have much in common, savage implies the absence of inhibitions restraining civilized people filled with rage, lust, or other violent passion.

a savage criminal

Examples 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 cruel The disease is particularly cruel to deer and elk that contract it. —

Shaun McKinnon, The Arizona Republic, 16 Dec. 2024 December has been a particularly cruel month for Greater Cincinnati's restaurant industry. —

Keith Pandolfi, The Enquirer, 13 Dec. 2024 Rachel wants her family to acknowledge the cruel homophobia directed at her and her wife Pippa. —

Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 13 Dec. 2024 These included conspiracy to mete out cruel and inhuman treatment to civilian detainees, including U.S. citizens, during the Syrian civil war that began in 2011. —

Kanishka Singh, USA TODAY, 13 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for cruel

Recent Examples of Synonyms for cruel

Adjective

Winter's brutal grip is continuing Friday for millions across the eastern U.S. as temperatures remain well below average.

Doyle Rice, USA TODAY, 13 Dec. 2024
Thousands of prisoners have now been freed, many after decades of incarceration in brutal conditions.

Salma Abdelaziz, CNN, 13 Dec. 2024