Antonyms for ruthless


Grammar : Adj
Spell : rooth-lis
Phonetic Transcription : ˈruθ lɪs


Definition of ruthless

Origin :
  • early 14c., from reuthe "pity, compassion" (see ruth) + -less. Ruthful (early 13c.) has fallen from use since late 17c. except as a deliberate archaism. Related: Ruthlessly; ruthlessness.
  • adj mean, heartless
Example sentences :
  • There was something so ruthless in the boy, so overbearing and heartless.
  • Extract from : « Dust » by Mr. and Mrs. Haldeman-Julius
  • He perceived that he had become the victim of a harsh and ruthless dealing.
  • Extract from : « Meadow Grass » by Alice Brown
  • "Here, take it," the postman said in a tone of ruthless finality.
  • Extract from : « Pee-wee Harris » by Percy Keese Fitzhugh
  • Alice interfered; she perceived that the ruthless Mrs. Dowling meant to have her way.
  • Extract from : « Alice Adams » by Booth Tarkington
  • I was determined to pursue my ruthless course in his defense to the end.
  • Extract from : « The Law-Breakers » by Ridgwell Cullum
  • Sewell's ruthless surgery is most evident in that last paragraph.
  • Extract from : « The Bluff of the Hawk » by Anthony Gilmore
  • My fleeting joy was being thrust back by hands most ruthless.
  • Extract from : « The First Violin » by Jessie Fothergill
  • This did really seem to me a ruthless and unjustifiable proceeding.
  • Extract from : « Adventures and Recollections » by Bill o'th' Hoylus End
  • Tuman imagined a city full of enemies, ruthless and powerful.
  • Extract from : « The Martian Cabal » by Roman Frederick Starzl
  • Edom o' Gordon—Adam of Auchindoun—did his ruthless work in 1571.
  • Extract from : « The Balladists » by John Geddie

Synonyms for ruthless

Based on : Thesaurus.com - Gutenberg.org - Dictionary.com - Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019