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
Saline County sheriff’s deputies, responding to an animal cruelty report entered the Fullen’s field after observing about 50 cattle, many with calves, with minimal grass to graze on, according to an affidavit.
—
Jonathan Shorman, Kansas City Star, 16 Jan. 2025
Aggravated cruelty to animals is a felony under New York State law and carries a sentence of up to two years if convicted.
—David Matthews, New York Daily News, 15 Jan. 2025
Instead, the galaxy became twisted by the cruelty and fear of the Emperor’s rule.
—EW.com, 14 Jan. 2025
Over her 35-year career, Butler used the fantastical narratives of science fiction to explore the complexities and cruelties of survival.
—Stephen Kearse, Smithsonian Magazine, 2 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for cruelty 
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Jonathan Shorman, Kansas City Star, 16 Jan. 2025
Aggravated cruelty to animals is a felony under New York State law and carries a sentence of up to two years if convicted.
—David Matthews, New York Daily News, 15 Jan. 2025
Instead, the galaxy became twisted by the cruelty and fear of the Emperor’s rule.
—EW.com, 14 Jan. 2025
Over her 35-year career, Butler used the fantastical narratives of science fiction to explore the complexities and cruelties of survival.
—Stephen Kearse, Smithsonian Magazine, 2 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for cruelty
Dictionary Entries Near cruelty
Cite this Entry
“Cruelty.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cruelty. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.
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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