brutality
noun
bru·tal·i·ty
brü-ˈta-lə-tē 
plural brutalities
1
: the quality or state of being brutal
2
: a brutal act or course of action
Synonyms
Examples of brutality in a Sentence
the brutalities of a prison
the police were accused of brutality for using excessive force in making arrests
Recent Examples on the Web
Reed’s death has once again reignited debate and anger over police brutality and excessive use of force in the United States, prompting protests outside a Chicago police station this week, with activists, residents and family members calling for justice.
—
Jennifer Hassan, Washington Post, 10 Apr. 2024
In addition to writing about Anglo anti-Mexican violence, Garza condemned the brutality of the dictatorial regime of Mexican President Porfirio Díaz in his newspapers El Comercio Mexicano (Mexican Business) and El Libre Pensador (Free Thinker).
—TIME, 9 Apr. 2024
Mack was among many prominent city leaders who worked with Murray on police brutality issues, public education, bridge-building with other communities and mayoral commissions addressing issues involving Black Americans.
—Gayle Pollard-Terry, Los Angeles Times, 6 Apr. 2024
As a divided Germany grinds towards reconciliation during the latter part of the film, the race between the surveillance state’s omnipresent brutality and Wiesler’s flicker of humanity forms a decidedly modern tragedy.
—Dennis Perkins, EW.com, 5 Apr. 2024
The war’s brutality and seven decades of acrimony between Israel and Palestinians have exacerbated tensions among communities in the United States.
—Marc Ramirez, USA TODAY, 4 Apr. 2024
War needs to be carried out without brutality and drive at a just political end.
—Phil Klay, The Atlantic, 28 Mar. 2024
The question about how long the population will resist the economic brutality of the policies being enacted by Economy Minister Luis ‘Toto’ Caputo must also be considered.
—Agustino Fontevecchia, Forbes, 28 Mar. 2024
By the end of this test, the Tar Heels had prevailed with brutality and beauty, matching push for push but also spreading all their feathers like a peacock to show just how much there actually is to this UNC team.
—Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 24 Mar. 2024
Jennifer Hassan, Washington Post, 10 Apr. 2024
In addition to writing about Anglo anti-Mexican violence, Garza condemned the brutality of the dictatorial regime of Mexican President Porfirio Díaz in his newspapers El Comercio Mexicano (Mexican Business) and El Libre Pensador (Free Thinker).
—TIME, 9 Apr. 2024
Mack was among many prominent city leaders who worked with Murray on police brutality issues, public education, bridge-building with other communities and mayoral commissions addressing issues involving Black Americans.
—Gayle Pollard-Terry, Los Angeles Times, 6 Apr. 2024
As a divided Germany grinds towards reconciliation during the latter part of the film, the race between the surveillance state’s omnipresent brutality and Wiesler’s flicker of humanity forms a decidedly modern tragedy.
—Dennis Perkins, EW.com, 5 Apr. 2024
The war’s brutality and seven decades of acrimony between Israel and Palestinians have exacerbated tensions among communities in the United States.
—Marc Ramirez, USA TODAY, 4 Apr. 2024
War needs to be carried out without brutality and drive at a just political end.
—Phil Klay, The Atlantic, 28 Mar. 2024
The question about how long the population will resist the economic brutality of the policies being enacted by Economy Minister Luis ‘Toto’ Caputo must also be considered.
—Agustino Fontevecchia, Forbes, 28 Mar. 2024
By the end of this test, the Tar Heels had prevailed with brutality and beauty, matching push for push but also spreading all their feathers like a peacock to show just how much there actually is to this UNC team.
—Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 24 Mar. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'brutality.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near brutality
Cite this Entry
“Brutality.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/brutality. Accessed 25 Apr. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
brutality
noun
bru·tal·i·ty
brü-ˈtal-ət-ē
plural brutalities
1
: the quality or state of being brutal
2
: a brutal act or course of action
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share