1
2
3

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 However, at the youth and high school level, girls may still be at the mercy of state law. Jackson Thompson, Fox News, 7 Feb. 2025 For now, millions of government workers find themselves at Musk’s mercy. Simon Shuster, TIME, 7 Feb. 2025 Nestor is a man trying to maintain his dignity while at the mercy of everyone around him, his frustrations rising to the surface at the slightest provocation from his back-talking kids or his younger brother (Valentin Mexico), a hotshot with a Trans Am. Sheri Linden, The Hollywood Reporter, 17 Feb. 2025 Without legislative backing, foreign aid will remain at the mercy of political cycles. Sean P. Brooks, Orlando Sentinel, 14 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for mercy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mercy
Noun
  • Beyond baseball, Art was known for his kindness, humor, and deep appreciation for the people around him.
    Daniel Brown, The Athletic, 9 Mar. 2025
  • And for Katelyn, the internet's kindness has arrived exactly at the right time.
    William Lambers, Newsweek, 7 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Much like filmmaking, which is perhaps why the movie finds sympathy in a tale of concession and economic exploitation.
    Matt Shaw, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025
  • Though our active search has ended, our support and sympathy remain with all those impacted by this tragic incident.
    David Chiu, People.com, 25 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Lead With Empathy Leading with empathy is crucial here.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes, 11 Mar. 2025
  • Their commitment to their clients and values of empathy, excellence, curation, and transparency is well-known and well-respected in the industry.
    Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 11 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Then came Amazon, Theranos, and costly bets Walgreens, once a pharmacy chain juggernaut, has fallen from grace.
    Francisco Velasquez, Quartz, 9 Mar. 2025
  • At 28 years and nine months old, the former New York Yankees outfielder who struck out to end the 2024 World Series is the youngest free agent still without a team — a puzzling fall from grace for a six-year veteran who is 2019 was the Los Angeles Dodgers No. 1 prospect.
    William Lambers, Newsweek, 8 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • And everything with her is effortless compassion and empathy.
    C. R. Walker, Chicago Tribune, 28 Feb. 2025
  • Read the full Pisces Daily Horoscope Aries (March 21 - April 19) Driven by compassion?
    USA TODAY, USA TODAY, 28 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Released in December, the latest iteration of the league’s drug policy took several more steps toward leniency.
    Jayna Bardahl, The Athletic, 7 Mar. 2025
  • Before the sentence was announced, Huger asked the judge for leniency.
    Claudia Rosenbaum, Vulture, 26 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • More great reads Korean Americans are finding themselves on the hook for service in the South Korean military — all because a rapper dodged it.
    Kevinisha Walker, Los Angeles Times, 8 Mar. 2025
  • The pop-ups suggested malware had been installed or included urgent warnings about technical issues related to the victims’ services, software or devices.
    Joe Marusak, Charlotte Observer, 8 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • At heart, the brand messaging is consistent: Individuals who work hard and win reward themselves with a Rolex.
    Victoria Gomelsky, Robb Report, 6 Mar. 2025
  • Long shared a photo of her newborn baby in the hospital, placing a white heart emoji to cover her baby's face.
    Kayla Grant, People.com, 6 Mar. 2025

Cite this Entry

“Mercy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mercy. Accessed 14 Mar. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on mercy

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!