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Showing results for merciless. Search instead for mercile.
Definitions

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.

Contemporaries regarded this merciless battle as “a second Agincourt,” akin to Henry V’s victory, against the odds, in 1415.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 11, 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

Nevertheless, she remains as statuesque and merciless as Weaver was onscreen.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 28, 2025

In particular, Hawaii Supreme Court Justice Todd Eddins has emerged as one of the judiciary’s most astute and merciless critics of the Roberts court.

From Slate • Sep. 19, 2025

Cruel faces leered at him with merciless white eyes.

From "Wolf Brother" by Michelle Paver

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