Search Dictionary
Definition of cruelly

cruelly

/ˈkruː.ə.li/
cru · el · ly
Adjective:cruel
JUMP TO:

cruelly Lexical Profile

cruelly Game Scores & Validity

• adverb

1

In a manner that willfully causes pain or suffering to others, or shows no concern for their distress.

Example

"The stray dog had been cruelly neglected before the animal shelter rescued it."

2

To a severe, harsh, or painful degree; extremely (used with negative or distressing states).

Example

"The young athletes were cruelly disappointed when the championship match was canceled due to severe weather."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for cruelly
Antonyms
View all antonyms for cruelly

• Rhymes for cruelly

• Nearby Words

crudites
crudity
cruel
cruelly
cruelness
cruelty
cruet

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in Middle English from the adjective 'cruel' (borrowed from Old French 'cruel', from Latin 'crudelis' meaning 'rough, unfeeling, or severe') plus the adverbial suffix '-ly'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Cruelly. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/cruelly
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.