cruel
adjective
willfully or knowingly causing pain or distress to others.
cruelly
-
a word derived from
cruel.
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.
How can a black boy be fearless in America, Bernadette asks, and answers: What follows for John is a warped upbringing of parental favoritism mixed with cruelly rigorous training.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 14, 2026
Three central cities on Tuesday logged scorching heat above the threshold, called "kokushobi" which translates to "cruelly hot day", according to the Japan Meteorological Agency.
From Barron's ● Jul. 22, 2026
Am I so cruelly esoteric that mainstream ideas of gayness do nothing for me?
From Salon ● Jun. 18, 2026
For many cancer patients and their loved ones, it’s easier to expect the worst and hope for the best than it is to expect the best, only to be cruelly disappointed.
From Slate ● Mar. 29, 2026
Lord Stark had not treated him cruelly, but the long steel shadow of his greatsword had always been between them.
From "A Dance with Dragons" by George R. R. Martin
