cruel (B1)

adjective

Pronunciation: /ˈkruːəl/

Definition

Willing to cause pain or suffering to others, or feeling no pity.

Examples

• The cruel winter weather made travel impossible.

• It was cruel of him to mock her appearance.

• She endured the cruel jokes of her classmates with dignity.

How to Use cruel

cruel to (prepositional phrase)

To act in a way that causes pain or suffering to someone or something. — "The bullies were cruel to the new student."

cruel of (prepositional phrase)

Describing an action or person as lacking kindness or mercy. — "It was cruel of her to reveal his secret."

Synonyms of cruel

Words with a similar meaning to cruel:

• mean
• unkind
• harsh
• brutal

Antonyms of cruel

Words with the opposite meaning to cruel:

• kind
• compassionate

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