Synonyms for

Merciful

Verb / ˈmɜ:sɪfʌl / Another word for merciful — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

showing mercy or forgiveness

Synonyms & similar words

merciless compassionate kind forgiving lenient gracious clement charitable benevolent humane sympathetic tenderhearted soft-hearted understanding indulgent magnanimous big-hearted tolerant patient benign lenitive

Synonyms by register

Formal

compassionate benevolent lenient forbearing

Informal

kind understanding easygoing

Literary

pitying gentle tender

Antonyms

cruel ruthless harsh severe unforgiving pitiless callous

Common collocations

  • merciful to
  • merciful lord
  • mercifully brief
  • mercifully short
  • mercifully spared
  • merciful god

Word family

noun mercy
adverb mercifully

Usage note

Merciful implies a willingness to forgive or show compassion, especially when one has the power to punish. It is generally a positive term.

Example sentences

  1. The teacher was merciful and didn't give homework over the weekend.
  2. The king showed mercy to the prisoners and pardoned them.
  3. The merciful doctor worked tirelessly to save the patient's life.
  4. The merciful God forgave the sinner and gave them a second chance.
  5. The coach was merciful and didn't make the team run laps in the rain.

Quotes

  • 'Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.' - Luke 6:36
  • 'Mercy is not getting what we deserve. Grace is getting what we don't deserve.' - Anonymous
  • 'The Lord is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.' - Psalm 145:8

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