The difference between Cruel and Unmerciful

When used as adjectives, cruel means that intentionally causes or revels in pain and suffering, whereas unmerciful means not showing mercy.


Cruel is also adverb with the meaning: to a great degree.

Cruel is also verb with the meaning: to spoil or ruin (one's chance of success).

check bellow for the other definitions of Cruel and Unmerciful

  1. Cruel as an adjective:

    That intentionally causes or revels in pain and suffering; merciless, heartless.

    Examples:

    "The supervisor was very cruel to Josh, as he would always give Josh the hardest, most degrading work he could find."

    "synonyms: sadistic"

    "ant merciful"

  2. Cruel as an adjective:

    Harsh; severe.

    Examples:

    "synonyms: brutal"

  3. Cruel as an adjective (slang):

    Cool; awesome; neat.

  1. Cruel as an adverb (nonstandard):

    To a great degree; terribly.

  1. Cruel as a verb (chiefly, Australia, New Zealand):

    To spoil or ruin (one's chance of success)

  2. Cruel as a verb (Australia, ambitransitive):

    To violently provoke (a child) in the belief that this will make them more assertive.

  1. Cruel as a noun:

  1. Unmerciful as an adjective:

    not showing mercy

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