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Definitions

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.

But this was a thorough demolition, Maye completing 19 of 21 passes for 256 yards, five touchdowns and a near-perfect 157 passer rating before a merciful Vrabel yanked him in the third quarter.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 29, 2025

More immediately, the lighthouse is now accessible only by an expensive helicopter ride, if the winds are merciful and it is not shrouded by fog.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 26, 2025

"With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite merciful love of the One and Triune God."

From BBC • Apr. 21, 2025

Like tough love, sometimes mercy is not merciful at all.

From Salon • Jan. 11, 2025

“It would be merciful if there were no breath,” he muttered, and then he heard the feeble cry—how feeble a cry!—hang for an instant upon the stillness.

From "The Good Earth" by Pearl S. Buck

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.