merciful

[mur-si-fuhl] / ˈmɜr sɪ fəl /

ADJECTIVE

kind, sparing

Synonyms

STRONGEST

charitable compassionate forgiving gracious humane humanitarian kindly lenient

WEAK

all heart beneficent benign benignant bleeding heart clement condoning easygoing feeling forbearing generous gentle heart in right place indulgent liberal mild pardoning pitiful pitying soft softhearted sympathetic tender tenderhearted tolerant

Antonyms

STRONGEST

cruel hard harsh hateful inhumane mean merciless severe uncompassionate ungiving unkind unsympathetic

WEAK

unforgiving unmerciful

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

In America, Presbyterians preached salvation from sin through the grace of a merciful God.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 11, 2026

Unfortunately at this point most in the audience will be hoping that the play itself will soon come to a merciful end.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 16, 2026

After lingering off the coast of Florida hoping for a merciful decision from Washington, the St. Louis and its passengers returned to Europe, where the Nazis were on the march.

From Los Angeles Times • May 19, 2025

Handing her a two-year suspended prison sentence, Judge Mr Justice Linden said: "I recognise I have taken a merciful course."

From BBC • Apr. 11, 2025

I learned that I can be ruthless when I need to, and I can be merciful when I’m able.

From "Dread Nation" by Justina Ireland

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