cruel

A person who enjoys hurting others or does not care about their pain.

• The king was cruel.
• Her cruel uncle often made her cry.
• Why are some people so cruel to animals?

How to use it: cruel to someone/something (He was cruel to the animals.)

Similar words: unkind, heartless, merciless

Opposites: kind, compassionate

Common phrases: cruel person, cruel to someone, cruel master, cruel ruler

An action that causes pain or suffering without caring about the person or animal affected.

• That was a cruel joke.
• His cruel words upset her.
• It was cruel to punish the whole class.

How to use it: it is cruel to do something (It is cruel to leave a dog without water.)

Similar words: unkind, heartless, inhumane

Opposites: kind, humane

Common phrases: cruel joke, cruel punishment, cruel treatment

Extremely harsh or difficult, causing great suffering.

• It was a cruel winter.
• The news came as a cruel blow.
• A cruel wind swept across the empty fields.

Similar words: harsh, severe, bitter

Opposites: gentle, mild

Common phrases: cruel winter, cruel fate, cruel blow