hurtful

adjective

hurt·​ful ˈhərt-fəl How to pronounce hurtful (audio)
Synonyms of hurtfulnext
: causing injury, detriment, or suffering : damaging
hurtfully
ˈhərt-fə-lē How to pronounce hurtful (audio)
adverb
hurtfulness noun

Synonyms of hurtful

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Examples of hurtful in a Sentence

She can't forgive him for the hurtful things he said. Their comments were really hurtful to me.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
That's just hurtful and not honest. — Sean Mandell, PEOPLE, 8 June 2026 This was extremely hurtful to me. — Jacobina Martin, Washington Post, 20 June 2026 Niall tells Ruben that his hurtful language over the years was a big part of his endless self-loathing. — Barry Levitt, Time, 29 May 2026 Hearing those comments from a friend must have been incredibly hurtful and embarrassing for her. — Harriette Cole, Mercury News, 15 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for hurtful

Word History

First Known Use

1526, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of hurtful was in 1526

Browse Nearby Words

hurt for
hurtful
hurtle
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Cite this Entry

“Hurtful.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hurtful. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

hurtful

adjective
hurt·​ful ˈhərt-fəl How to pronounce hurtful (audio)
: causing injury or suffering : damaging
hurtfully
-fə-lē How to pronounce hurtful (audio)
adverb
hurtfulness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on hurtful

Nglish: Translation of hurtful for Spanish Speakers

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