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Showing results for merciful. Search instead for merkhilfen.
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

Lukashenko was suddenly keen on looking merciful and several dozen were released.

From BBC • Jun. 30, 2025

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

But it takes even more courage to be merciful to people who do not deserve it.

From Salon • Dec. 18, 2024

Could one reach back in time and expect them to be as merciful as it was possible to be fifteen years later with a mind and body unviolated by gods?

From "Strange the Dreamer" by Laini Taylor

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