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
Eichmann was found guilty of crimes against the Jewish people and crimes against humanity — a scale of cruelty that’s hard to grasp even for the characters here who shoulder responsibility for the court’s decision.
—
Amy Nicholson, Washington Post, 4 July 2024
Brian Christopher Thode, 40, was charged with one count of first-degree murder and two counts of animal cruelty, all felony charges, according to Johnson County District Court documents.
—Andrea Klick, Kansas City Star, 2 July 2024
Light, 74, was charged with misdemeanor animal cruelty.
—Marina Watts, Peoplemag, 1 July 2024
Reynolds was arrested just before 1 p.m. and later booked on one count of animal cruelty.
—Vivian Barrett, The Arizona Republic, 25 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for cruelty 
Amy Nicholson, Washington Post, 4 July 2024
Brian Christopher Thode, 40, was charged with one count of first-degree murder and two counts of animal cruelty, all felony charges, according to Johnson County District Court documents.
—Andrea Klick, Kansas City Star, 2 July 2024
Light, 74, was charged with misdemeanor animal cruelty.
—Marina Watts, Peoplemag, 1 July 2024
Reynolds was arrested just before 1 p.m. and later booked on one count of animal cruelty.
—Vivian Barrett, The Arizona Republic, 25 June 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 7 Jul. 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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