Find Synonyms

cruelly Synonyms

Another word for cruelly

Choosing another word for cruelly depends on context, so the 17 synonyms and similar words below are separated across 2 exact definitions and ranked by match strength.
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• adverb (Context 1)

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

Usage Example

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

Strongest
brutally
ruthlessly
mercilessly
Strong
heartlessly
callously
pitilessly
savagely
viciously
inhumanely
cold-bloodedly

• adverb (Context 2)

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

Usage Example

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

Strongest
severely
Strong
bitterly
harshly
grievously
painfully
sharply
sorely

Opposites of cruelly

The opposite of cruelly shifts depending on context. Common opposites include:

kindly
mercifully
compassionately
humanely
gently
slightly
mildly
tenderly
See all opposites of cruelly

• Nearby Words

crudites
crudity
cruel
cruelly
cruelness
cruelty
cruet

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Synonyms for Cruelly. In Wordmom Thesaurus. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/synonyms/cruelly
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