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Meaning of cruel in English
Pronunciation
/ˈkru(ə)l/
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Classifying Adjective
cruel
Definitions
1.
lacking or showing kindness or compassion or mercy
Synonyms
heartless
2.
(of persons or their actions) able or disposed to inflict pain or suffering
Examples
« a barbarous crime »
« brutal beatings »
« cruel tortures »
« Stalin's roughshod treatment of the kulaks »
« a savage slap »
« vicious kicks »
Synonyms
inhumane
3.
(of weapons or instruments) causing suffering and pain
Examples
« brutal instruments of torture »
« cruel weapons of war »
Synonyms
inhumane
4.
used of circumstances (especially weather) that cause suffering
Examples
« brutal weather »
« northern winters can be cruel »
« a cruel world »
« a harsh climate »
« a rigorous climate »
« unkind winters »
Synonyms
hard