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.

In America, Presbyterians preached salvation from sin through the grace of a merciful God.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 11, 2026

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

“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

Vocabulary lists containing merciful

Power Suffix: -ful

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Positive Words to Describe a Person

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Lee's General Order No. 9: A Farewell Address

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