Cruel

5 lettersadjective

Updated June 2026

Definition

Wilfully causing pain or suffering; harsh and merciless.

“It would be cruel to keep the injured bird in a cage.”

Pronunciation

IPA

/krʊəɫ/

Syllables

cru·el

Related Words

Synonyms

barbarousbrutal fellroughshodsavagevicious

Word Game Tips

🟩

Wordle

"Cruel" uses 5 different letters, which makes it efficient for eliminating options. Its 2 vowels balance the consonants.

🔤

Scrabble

"Cruel" is worth 7 points before board bonuses. Aim its letters at double/triple-letter and word squares to lift the score.

Words Related to Cruel

Anagrams of Cruel

Words that use exactly the same letters as “cruel”.

lucre ulcer

Words one letter different

Change a single letter of “cruel” to make these 5-letter words — useful for Wordle and crossword clues.

creel cruet crull gruel

Words you can make from Cruel

Shorter words formed from the letters in “cruel”.

clue cure curl ecru eruc rule

Explore Similar Words

5-letter words starting with C 5-letter words ending with L All 5-letter words 4-letter words 6-letter words All word lists

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Dictionary References

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