How do you pronounce "cruel"?

In American English: /ˈkruːəl/ (KROO-uhl). In British English: /kɹˈuːəl/ (KR-oo). In Canadian English: /ˈkruːəl/ (KROO-uhl). In Australian English: /kɹˈuːəl/ (KR-oo).

Is "cruel" pronounced differently in American and British English?

Yes. In American English it's pronounced /ˈkruːəl/ (KROO-uhl), while in British English it's /kɹˈuːəl/ (KR-oo).

How to Pronounce "cruel"

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cruel

regional

/ˈkruːəl/

KROO-uhl

Syllable Breakdown

kruːcru·əlel

Source

80%confidence📘 CMU Pronouncing Dictionary v0.7b

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Last updated: 2026-02-14