merciful

adjective

mer·​ci·​ful ˈmər-si-fəl 

: full of mercy : compassionate

a merciful ruler

also : providing relief

a merciful end

mercifulness

ˈmər-si-fəl-nəs 

noun

Examples of merciful in a Sentence

He became less merciful to his enemies.

He died a quick and merciful death.

Recent Examples on the Web

Not for them the merciful expedient of a minor flesh wound or a swift death. —Justin Chang, New Yorker, 4 Apr. 2025

An offseason full of debate about whether the Cleveland Guardians improved or worsened their roster has come to a merciful end. —Zack Meisel, New York Times, 26 Mar. 2025

The Church also believes in and supports the efforts of nations to regulate borders and control immigration, provided it is done in a way that is both just and merciful. —William McCarthy, Baltimore Sun, 5 Feb. 2025

The Gospel's beatitudes—blessed are the meek, the merciful, and the peacemakers—stand in stark opposition to the movement's rhetoric of anger and grievance. —Jonathan Granoff, Newsweek, 28 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for merciful

• unmerciful

Kids Definition

merciful

adjective

mer·​ci·​ful ˈmər-si-fəl 

: having or showing mercy : compassionate

a merciful ruler

mercifully

-f(ə-)lē

adverb

mercifulness

-fəl-nəs 

noun