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be merciful

VERB

relent

Synonyms

STRONGEST

acquiesce capitulate cave in come around comply ease off give in give up let go quit relax slacken soften subside

STRONG

drop ease ebb fall fold forbear melt moderate slow wane weaken yield

WEAK

change one's mind cool it cry uncle die away ease up on give quarter give some slack give way go along with go easy on have mercy have pity lay back let it happen lighten up mellow out say uncle show mercy

Antonyms

STRONGEST

grow increase worry

STRONG

advance ascend continue free rise

WEAK

build

VERB

spare

Synonyms

STRONGEST

excuse exempt leave pardon refrain from

STRONG

absolve discharge dispense forbear pity release relent spring

WEAK

bail out be lenient get off the hook get out of hock give a break give quarter to go easy on let go let off privilege from pull out of the fire relieve from save bacon save from save neck

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.

“I think Pope Francis encouraged all of us to be merciful, to practice that divine mercy.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 21, 2025

Blessit be merciful men: for thai sal get mercy.

From BBC • Jul. 4, 2023

If we want mercy, we should be merciful.

From Washington Post • Apr. 18, 2022

If you want to eat it, fine, but be merciful.

From Slate • Feb. 26, 2022

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