as in patient
showing kindness and forgiveness instead of harshness or cruelty especially to someone under one's authority or control
When our English teacher caught us cheating, we prayed he would be merciful in deciding our punishment.
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Recent Examples of merciful
Despite his impassive eyes, balding pate, and slit of a smile, Robert Duvall could be volcanic and melancholic, mysterious and straightforward, vengeful and merciful.
—
Peter Tonguette, The Washington Examiner, 27 Feb. 2026
In a way, this can seem merciful.
—Katherine J. Wu, The Atlantic, 24 Feb. 2026
The Olympics appear to be the merciful conclusion of an adductor muscle injury from last season’s 4 Nations Face-Off that cost him the rest of the regular season last year and forced him to play hurt during the playoffs.
—Chris Kudialis, Miami Herald, 23 Feb. 2026
These changes would ensure a more merciful society, one that pardons in the name not of a sovereign president, but of the people.
—Bernadette Meyler, Harpers Magazine, 27 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for merciful
Peter Tonguette, The Washington Examiner, 27 Feb. 2026
In a way, this can seem merciful.
—Katherine J. Wu, The Atlantic, 24 Feb. 2026
The Olympics appear to be the merciful conclusion of an adductor muscle injury from last season’s 4 Nations Face-Off that cost him the rest of the regular season last year and forced him to play hurt during the playoffs.
—Chris Kudialis, Miami Herald, 23 Feb. 2026
These changes would ensure a more merciful society, one that pardons in the name not of a sovereign president, but of the people.
—Bernadette Meyler, Harpers Magazine, 27 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for merciful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for merciful
Adjective
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Her work in 2025 included helping roll out clinical safety initiatives, participating in investigations aimed at improving patient outcomes and supporting quality-of-care programs across the hospital.—
Nancy Badertscher,
AJC.com,
7 May 2026
-
The focus should be on patient health, not corporate profits.—
Mercury News & East Bay Times Editorial Boards,
Mercury News,
7 May 2026
Adjective
-
But statement that seems so benevolent can be anything but.—
Kathy and Ross Petrass,
CNBC,
24 Apr. 2026
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With the eventual blessing of his benevolent landlords, Grattan has completely transformed the rental unit— widening doorways, upgrading electrical systems, and reimagining every wall and ceiling.—
Sam Cochran,
Architectural Digest,
15 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Addressing it requires a comprehensive and compassionate approach.—
Lucas Robinson,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
7 May 2026
-
Contemporary, timeless, and deeply intimate in its candor, Scenes From The Divide honored all viewpoints about Mamdani’s potential impact on the Jewish community by anchoring the title in a thoughtful, compassionate lead seeking understanding from voters.—
Ryan Lattanzio,
IndieWire,
6 May 2026
Adjective
-
At the Gotham Bar, ask the team for Conrad, cheerful and gracious, who can suggest a martini for your mood.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
28 Apr. 2026
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Here, a gracious layout puts the two bedrooms on opposite ends of the apartment, both with room for a king, closets, and, in the case of the primary, an en suite bath.—
Katie McDonough,
Curbed,
27 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Bahrain revoked citizenship from 69 individuals accused of being sympathetic to Iran.—
Dominic Dudley,
semafor.com,
28 Apr. 2026
-
Several justices seemed sympathetic to the company’s argument that it can’t be sued under state law because federal regulators have found Roundup likely doesn’t cause cancer.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
27 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Dewey’s Dan is a kind and creative painter, and the only slightly chaotic thing Kate has ever loved.—
Matt Grobar,
Deadline,
6 May 2026
-
Wrigley has been especially kind to the Cubs, who now have an 8-1 record with the wind blowing out, and 3-0 with a crosswind.—
Paul Sullivan,
Chicago Tribune,
5 May 2026
Adjective
-
In the morning, a kindly girl offers her a cup of milk.—
The Editors,
Vulture,
30 Apr. 2026
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That’s the epiphany of a marooned American astronaut who thinks he’s been rescued by kindly Martians, only to realize he’s been installed as the newest exhibit in their zoo.—
David Dickstein,
Oc Register,
11 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Aub says that in general, curly hair does best with gentle, hydrating formulas that can both cleanse the scalp without sacrificing the integrity of the curl pattern.—
Aimee Simeon,
Glamour,
7 May 2026
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Love on the Spectrum — gentle, warm, built on sincerity rather than spectacle — represents an evolution within the genre.—
Nicholas Quah,
Vulture,
7 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Merciful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/merciful. Accessed 8 May. 2026.
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