1. in the sense of brutal
- savage
- brutal
- barbaric
- inhuman
- brutish
- barbarous
- murderous
- bloodthirsty
- cut-throat
- homicidal
- ferocious
- vicious
- wicked
- fierce
- fiendish
- evil
- diabolical
- devilish
- abominable
- heinous
- atrocious
- monstrous
- hideous
- vile
- nasty
- ghastly
- mean
- spiteful
- sadistic
- callous
- merciless
- ruthless
- pitiless
- unmerciful
- unrelenting
- unsparing
- uncaring
- remorseless
- uncharitable
- unsympathetic
- stony-hearted
- heartless
- cold-hearted
- hard-hearted
- bloodless
- cold-blooded
- unemotional
- unfeeling
- inhumane
- unkind
- harsh
- severe
- inclement
- stern
- draconian
- flinty
- dastardly
- beastly
- sanguinary
2. in the sense of harsh
Example Sentences of Cruel
1. His actions were incredibly cruel.
2. The punishment seemed exceptionally cruel.
3. She spoke in a cruel tone.
4. They faced cruel treatment and hardship.