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Synonyms

hurtful

American  
[hurt-fuhl] / ˈhɜrt fəl /

adjective

  1. causing hurt or injury; injurious; harmful.

    Synonyms:
    noxious, pernicious, destructive

hurtful British  
/ ˈhɜːtfʊl /

adjective

  1. causing distress or injury

    to say hurtful things

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

Etymology

Origin of hurtful

First recorded in 1520–30; hurt + -ful

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.

Three months later, I published a mea culpa, in which I renounced my support for Trump and apologized for my hurtful deeds and rhetoric.

From Salon • Jun. 8, 2026

"It's really just a hurtful process from start to finish."

From BBC • Apr. 23, 2026

Eight days later, Sotomayor issued an apology, saying her comment was inappropriate and hurtful.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 18, 2026

She said people have made hurtful comments to her.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 21, 2026

“That’s hurtful, but I’m guessing you’re in a mood because you’re carrying a breakup box you were going to hand over to Hudson. What happened?”

From "What If It's Us" by Becky Albertalli and Adam Silvera

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