mercy

noun

ˈmər-sē How to pronounce mercy (audio)
Definition of mercynext
1
as in mercifulness
kind, gentle, or compassionate treatment especially towards someone who is undeserving of it always show your enemies mercy, because it makes you a better person

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in kindness
an act of kind assistance did a mercy for the stranded motorist and was richly rewarded

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in sympathy
the capacity for feeling for another's unhappiness or misfortune a woman of such mercy that she's been known to cry over dead rodents

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun mercy differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of mercy are charity, clemency, grace, and leniency. While all these words mean "a disposition to show kindness or compassion," mercy implies compassion that forbears punishing even when justice demands it.

threw himself on the mercy of the court

When would charity be a good substitute for mercy?

While the synonyms charity and mercy are close in meaning, charity stresses benevolence and goodwill shown in broad understanding and tolerance of others.

show a little charity for the less fortunate

When can clemency be used instead of mercy?

The words clemency and mercy are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, clemency implies a mild or merciful disposition in one having the power or duty of punishing.

the judge refused to show clemency

When is it sensible to use grace instead of mercy?

The synonyms grace and mercy are sometimes interchangeable, but grace implies a benign attitude and a willingness to grant favors or make concessions.

by the grace of God

When is leniency a more appropriate choice than mercy?

The words leniency and mercy can be used in similar contexts, but leniency implies lack of severity in punishing.

criticized the courts for excessive leniency

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of mercy Republican congressional leaders have attached an increase in the debt limit to President Donald Trump’s tax and spending bill, which potentially puts avoiding a default at the mercy of complex negotiations over the legislation. —Bloomberg News, Boston Herald, 1 June 2025 There is no mercy for the suffering of their grieving mothers and fathers. —Ronald S. Safer, Chicago Tribune, 30 May 2025 There’s no room to enter a prompt, so you are left at the mercy of whatever the AI decides to do. —Simon Hill, Wired News, 30 May 2025 No more tolerance of hatred, no more mercy for criminals. —Sarah Beth Hensley, ABC News, 28 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for mercy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mercy
  1. kindness
  2. sympathy
  3. empathy
  4. grace
  5. compassion
  6. leniency
  7. service
  8. heart
Noun
  • By Carol McCloud, Illustrated by David Messing Summary: This book explains clearly and simply how everyone has an invisible bucket that can be filled through small acts of kindness or emptied by acts of thoughtlessness or cruelty.
    — Esther K. Choy, Forbes.com, 1 June 2025
  • Please advise me how to navigate this tricky territory with respect and kindness.
    — Judith Martin, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 May 2025
Definition of kindness
Noun
  • Infused with equal parts outrage and sympathy, the song is a must-listen in these trying times.
    — Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 30 May 2025
  • Alternately, his tone was infused with contempt, sarcasm or genuine sympathy for his subjects who had been victims of brutality unleashed by the Gestapo or secret police of the Vichy regime.
    — David Anderson, Los Angeles Times, 29 May 2025
Definition of sympathy
Noun
  • The Rise Of The Digital Leader Digital leaders operate at the intersection of three essential domains: technology (leveraging AI, automation and data to drive strategy), business (aligning digital efforts with measurable outcomes) and people (leading with empathy, influence and adaptability).
    — Raj Polanki, Forbes.com, 3 June 2025
  • The idea of sharing our stories connects us as a whole, evoking empathy.
    — Julia Moore, People.com, 2 June 2025
Definition of empathy
Noun
  • Then, on June 6, Venus will enter Taurus and your curious communication sector, dazzling your exchanges with poise, grace and irresistible charm.
    — Valerie Mesa, People.com, 1 June 2025
  • Hernandez was the exception, turning in performances that embodied the athletic grace and emotional nuance of a true champion.
    — Chris Snellgrove, EW.com, 1 June 2025
Definition of grace
Noun
  • Each of us can use the next six months working on our own heart, praying for a heart that is filled with compassion and love.
    — Bea L. Hines, Miami Herald, 6 June 2025
  • Balancing business needs with compassion for people is critical to preserving trust and morale through a difficult transition, for both employees who are retained and also for those impacted by layoffs.
    — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 5 June 2025
Definition of compassion
Noun
  • Defense attorneys have asked the court for leniency, citing the defendants’ age and health.
    — Thomas Adamson, Chicago Tribune, 23 May 2025
  • Bellier-Beaumont pleaded for leniency, barraging the legal authorities with letters defending Edmond’s character.
    — Jay Cheshes, Smithsonian Magazine, 20 May 2025
Definition of leniency
Noun
  • The intent of the new memorandum was to redirect individuals who do not require halfway house services to home confinement.
    — Walter Pavlo, Forbes.com, 31 May 2025
  • Rebirth, as Jurassic Park, Jurassic Park III, Jurassic World, and Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom all land on June 1, and on June 29, a sneak peek of Jurassic World Rebirth hits the streaming service.
    — Billie Melissa, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 May 2025
Definition of service
Noun
  • Leadership wisdom is a combination of head, hunch and heart.
    — Gregory Stebbins, Forbes.com, 29 May 2025
  • These young people offer me their time and their hearts on some level.
    — Brande Victorian, HollywoodReporter, 29 May 2025
Definition of heart

Phrases Containing mercy

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mercurialness
mercy
mercy killing
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Cite this Entry

“Mercy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mercy. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.

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