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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.

Software stocks are experiencing another brutal selloff on Thursday, and one technical strategist suggests more pain could be ahead for the beaten-down sector.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 9, 2026

"It was really brutal and, I have to say, when I woke up to the news that it had started again, in Iran, I did feel quite sick," she says.

From BBC • Apr. 8, 2026

Investors are rotating back to momentum stocks after a brutal March.

From Barron's • Apr. 6, 2026

The practice has deep roots in incel forums and the broader manosphere, where appearance is treated as destiny and social life is reduced to a brutal, pseudo-Darwinian hierarchy.

From Salon • Apr. 6, 2026

Chaol's brown eyes gleamed, but before Dorian could debate it, his friend switched the subject with brutal aim.

From "Throne of Glass" by Sarah J. Maas