merciless

[mur-si-lis] / ˈmɜr sɪ lɪs /

ADJECTIVE

mean, heartless

Synonyms

STRONGEST

barbarous callous cruel fierce grim harsh implacable inexorable inhumane relentless ruthless severe unforgiving unrelenting unsparing unyielding

STRONG

unmerciful

WEAK

compassionless cutthroat dog-eat-dog gratuitous hard hardhearted hatchet job having a killer instinct iron-fisted mean machine mortal pitiless unappeasable uncalled-for unfeeling unflinching unpitying unsympathetic wanton

Antonyms

STRONGEST

bright calm compassionate considerate easy feeling flexible gentle kind merciful mild nice peaceful polite remorseful sympathetic tender yielding

WEAK

giving sparing

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.

He was exacting, charming and merciless in equal measure.

From BBC • Apr. 10, 2026

The 1972 peak was followed by a merciless recession in the mid-1970s, and a heartbreaking stock market bust.

From Barron's • Dec. 31, 2025

Martin Amis, a merciless observer of foibles, puts one writer’s envy of another at the heart of “The Information.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 5, 2025

However inspiring the boards looked taped inside her closet, the reality was gradual and often merciless.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 17, 2025

Veteran horsemen were merciless to kids who wanted to be jockeys.

From "Seabiscuit: An American Legend" by Laura Hillenbrand

Vocabulary lists containing merciless

Hamilton

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

Schooled

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

Theodore Roosevelt on "The Man with the Muck Rake" (1906)

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!