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.

The movie saw warring factions of the planet Mongo unite against the oppression of Ming the Merciless.

From BBC • Dec. 21, 2022

I see Ming the Merciless Retailer has been widely praised for his “dignity”.

From The Guardian • Feb. 8, 2019

Brogan: You look like you’re ready to fight Ming the Merciless.

From Slate • Jan. 3, 2018

Merciless toward its characters as well as the audience, "The Graduate" plays on a new viewing like a subversive, anti-romantic film best categorized as a bleak parody of the happily-ever-after genre.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 20, 2017

It grows into a yell, which transforms into a scream, and then I’m standing on the ledge of the Merciless Mart, screaming as the chair sails toward the ground, screaming until my throat burns.

From "Insurgent" by Veronica Roth

Vocabulary lists containing merciless

Hamilton

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Schooled

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

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