Definitions

cruelty

[kroo-uhl-tee] / ˈkru əl ti /

NOUN

brutality, harshness

Synonyms

STRONGEST

barbarism barbarity inhumanity malice persecution savagery torture

STRONG

animality bestiality bloodthirstiness callousness coarseness coldness depravity despotism ferocity fierceness heartlessness insensibility insensitiveness malignity masochism mercilessness murderousness rancor ruthlessness sadism savageness severity spite spitefulness truculence unfeelingness unkindness venom viciousness wickedness

WEAK

brutishness fiendishness hard-heartedness

Antonyms

STRONGEST

kindness

STRONG

love

WEAK

charity compassion consideration feeling gentility mercy niceness thoughtfulness

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.

The city cut funding last year to $800,000, with the remainder covered by a grant from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

From Los Angeles Times • May 1, 2026

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals says these sports can enhance the bond between dogs and owners as long as there’s no pain, injury or distress.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 20, 2025

Other organisations, including the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, have also backed the amendment.

From BBC • Mar. 5, 2025

Then, in August, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals announced they were investigating the suspicious deaths of 10 seagulls found in Norfolk, England.

From Salon • Oct. 20, 2024

How could anything that called itself the “Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals” engage in wholesale murder?

From "Jacob Have I Loved" by Katherine Paterson

Vocabulary lists containing cruelty

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe

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The Subtle Knife

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!