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- pronunciation:
- krul
[or]
kru
l
- features:
- Word Combinations (adjective)
part of speech: |
adjective |
inflections: |
crueler, cruelest |
definition 1: |
inclined to inflict or intentionally inflicting pain, hardship, or suffering.
Their cruel captors tortured them without mercy.Their abusive father was cruel to both him and his sister.The children were sometimes cruel toward their pets.- synonyms:
- barbarous, brutal, merciless, sadistic, savage, truculent, vicious
- antonyms:
- charitable, compassionate, humane, merciful
- similar words:
- diabolical, ferocious, fiendish, fierce, malevolent, malicious, mean, oppressive, ruthless, satanic
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definition 2: |
unconcerned with or enjoying other people's suffering.
It is cruel of you to deceive her in this way.- synonyms:
- callous, cold-blooded, hardhearted, heartless, inhuman, inhumane, insensitive, merciless, pitiless, ruthless, sadistic, unfeeling
- antonyms:
- caring, compassionate, gracious
- similar words:
- bestial, brutal, fiendish
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definition 3: |
resulting in suffering.
Many people lost their life's savings due to this cruel hoax.The leader's cruel measures brought starvation and death.- synonyms:
- fierce
- antonyms:
- harmless
- similar words:
- bitter, brutal, ferocious, grim, harsh, intense, savage, severe, violent
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related words: |
atrocious, brute, callous, hardhearted, insensitive, obdurate, outrageous, pitiless, relentless, sharp, spiteful, vicious, wanton |
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derivations: |
cruelly (adv.), cruelness (n.) |
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