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Meaning of cruel in English

  1. Pronunciation

    /ˈkru(ə)l/

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  1. Classifying Adjective

    cruel

    Definitions

    1. lacking or showing kindness or compassion or mercy

    Synonyms

    • heartless
  2. 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. 3. (of weapons or instruments) causing suffering and pain

    Examples

    • « brutal instruments of torture »
    • « cruel weapons of war »

    Synonyms

    • inhumane
  4. 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

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