How many syllables in “cruel”?
syllable in "cruel"
Word details
Syllables
1
cruel
Letters
5
c · r · u · e · l
Scrabble
7
points
Scrabble letter values
Count another word
About the word “cruel”
The word “cruel” contains 1 syllable, divided as cruel. It has 5 letters.
FAQ
How many syllables does "cruel" have?
"cruel" has 1 syllable.
How do you divide "cruel" into syllables?
"cruel" is divided into syllables as: cruel.
What is the Scrabble score for "cruel"?
The Scrabble score for "cruel" is 7 points.
Using “cruel” in writing
As a single-syllable word, "cruel" carries strong natural stress and punchy impact. In haiku, it contributes one full syllable to the 5-7-5 structure. Monosyllabic words anchor lines in free verse and create emphasis when surrounded by longer words.
In word games
In Scrabble and Words With Friends, “cruel” is worth 7 base points before any board multipliers. Common words score lower individually, but their versatility is valuable — use them to open new lanes on the board or clear difficult tiles.
Anagrams of “cruel”
The letters in “cruel” can be rearranged to spell 2 other words: lucre, ulcer.