Synonyms of cruel

Antonyms of cruel

Collocations of cruel

cruel fate
Frequency: 70 %

She believed it was a cruel fate that brought them together.

cruel punishment
Frequency: 60 %

The cruel punishment meted out to the criminal shocked the onlookers.

cruel reality
Frequency: 50 %

They had to face the cruel reality that their business was failing.

cruel intentions
Frequency: 45 %

His cruel intentions were revealed when he betrayed his friend.

cruel joke
Frequency: 35 %

It was a cruel joke to play on someone who was already feeling down.

Idiomatic Expressions for cruel

  • Phrase: cruel to be kind
    Meaning: To act harshly or sternly towards someone in order to ultimately help or benefit them.
    Usage: Sometimes you have to be cruel to be kind and give tough love to those who need it.