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
Synonyms
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
This line in particular is 93-98% naturally derived, silicone free, vegan, and cruelty free.
—
Akili King, Essence, 16 May 2024
The owner of a South Side not-for-profit that sought to care for the city’s feral cat population now faces charges of animal cruelty after authorities last month allegedly found five dead felines in the basement of her squalid Auburn Gresham home.
—Sam Charles, Chicago Tribune, 13 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for cruelty 
Akili King, Essence, 16 May 2024
The owner of a South Side not-for-profit that sought to care for the city’s feral cat population now faces charges of animal cruelty after authorities last month allegedly found five dead felines in the basement of her squalid Auburn Gresham home.
—Sam Charles, Chicago Tribune, 13 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for cruelty
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'cruelty.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near cruelty
Cite this Entry
“Cruelty.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cruelty. Accessed 20 May. 2024.
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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