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Definitions

brutal

[broot-l] / ˈbrut l /
ADJECTIVE
cruel, remorseless
Synonyms
STRONGEST
barbarous callous ferocious harsh inhuman merciless rough rude ruthless savage severe vicious
WEAK
bloodthirsty gruff hard heartless impolite insensitive pitiless remorseless uncivil uncivilized unfeeling unmannerly unmerciful
Antonyms
STRONGEST
calm civilized compassionate courteous easy friendly gentle giving kind mild nice polished polite refined smooth sophisticated sympathetic tame temperate tender
WEAK
generous humane
ADJECTIVE
crude, rough
Synonyms
STRONGEST
inhuman inhumane rude savage
WEAK
animal bearish beastly bestial brute brutish carnal coarse feral ferine swinish unfeeling
Antonyms
STRONGEST
kind nice
WEAK
generous gentle humane

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Hurley’s brutal training sessions do more than toughen his team up.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

SoFi stock has fallen 40% this year as of Wednesday’s close of trading, weighed down by a brutal market for fintech and allegations of accounting mishandling by the short seller Muddy Waters Research.

From Barron's • Apr. 2, 2026

It’s brutal if you’re heading back to L.A.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2026

It must have been a brutal morning for him.

From Slate • Apr. 1, 2026

His suffering was utterly unjust, and he would not give in to brutal power no matter at what cost.

From "Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes" by Edith Hamilton

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.