The Opposite(Antonym) of “cruel”
The antonym of cruel is kind, compassionate, and merciful. The antonyms kind, compassionate, and merciful convey a positive emotional state. It implies a lack of cruelty, harshness, or meanness.
Explore all Antonyms of “cruel”
Definitions and Examples of kind, compassionate, merciful
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
Having or showing a friendly, generous, and considerate nature.
Example
She was kind enough to offer me a ride home when it started raining.
Feeling or showing sympathy and concern for others who are suffering.
Example
The doctor was compassionate towards his patients and always went the extra mile to make them feel comfortable.
Showing or exercising mercy; lenient or compassionate.
Example
The judge was merciful in his sentencing and gave the defendant a second chance.
Key Differences: kind vs compassionate vs merciful
- 1Kind describes a friendly and considerate nature.
- 2Compassionate denotes feeling sympathy and concern for others who are suffering.
- 3Merciful refers to being lenient or compassionate in exercising mercy.
Effective Usage of kind, compassionate, merciful
- 1Express Gratitude: Use kind, compassionate, and merciful to express gratitude towards someone who has been helpful or supportive.
- 2Encourage Empathy: Incorporate antonyms in conversations to encourage empathy and understanding towards others.
- 3Promote Positive Behavior: Use these antonyms to promote positive behavior and discourage negative behavior.
Remember this!
The antonyms have distinct nuances: Kind conveys a friendly and considerate nature, compassionate denotes feeling sympathy and concern for others who are suffering, and merciful refers to being lenient or compassionate in exercising mercy. Use these words to express gratitude, encourage empathy, and promote positive behavior.
