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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 Judicial mercy gives courts the authority to give a more lenient sentence in exceptional mitigating circumstances, such as a terminal illness or when imprisonment could pose a high risk of endangering a life. CNN Money, 5 Aug. 2025 The attorney must strive for justice in a system devoid of mercy. Greg Evans, Deadline, 31 July 2025 Otherwise, Americans may soon find themselves at the mercy of unaccountable corporate jailers. Andres Oppenheimer july 30, Miami Herald, 30 July 2025 With no power and its sails down, the boat was at the mercy of the rough currents. Joseph Wilkinson, New York Daily News, 24 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for mercy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mercy
Noun
  • Hendricks, the longtime Cub and 2016 World Series champion who’s now pitching for the Los Angeles Angels, instantly recognized Sandberg’s modesty and kindness.
    Patrick Mooney, New York Times, 23 Aug. 2025
  • His ability to uplift others, share kindness, and spread joy will forever remain in our memories.
    Luke Chinman, People.com, 23 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Into the mix are their best friends, lawyer Barry (Andy Samberg) and his wife Amy (Kate McKinnon), who mostly are observers of the wilting Roses but with just the right touch of sympathy and advice.
    Pete Hammond, Deadline, 25 Aug. 2025
  • In the meantime, Frankie has found solace in the responses of many on Reddit who expressed sympathy with their situation.
    Jack Beresford, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • In the age of agentic AI, where models act with increasing autonomy, the companies that thrive will be those that remember the obvious truth often overlooked in the race for progress: intelligence may drive the engine, but empathy keeps people in the driver’s seat.
    Victor Dey, Forbes.com, 14 Aug. 2025
  • Other board members also expressed empathy for community members who spoke during recent public comment periods, many expressing concerns about district administrators creating a toxic workplace and criticizing the recent hiring of Tremaine Harris as assistant principal of the Century Junior High.
    Olivia Stevens, Chicago Tribune, 12 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Or the grace, humor and gratitude from the before times?
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 14 Aug. 2025
  • Geneva, meanwhile, radiates diplomacy and cosmopolitan grace—its lakeside promenades framed by swans and sailboats, and the Jet d’Eau rising like a silver plume.
    Lewis Nunn, Forbes.com, 14 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Pledging to stay with another person in your thoughts and hold compassion and hope for them is even more powerful when it is followed by commitment, Rambo said.
    Madeline Holcombe, CNN Money, 29 Aug. 2025
  • What begins as a chronicle of her parents, sister, and children’s efforts to secure her return, becomes a portrait of conflicting impulses towards anger, vengeance, and compassion, straining the bonds of one grieving family.
    Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 29 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • While some immigrants who overstayed their visa terms may have seen some leniency in the past, that is often no longer the case.
    Hollie Silverman Dan Gooding, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Aug. 2025
  • Promise to differentiate between dangerous criminals and the people who deserve a break, and only ask for leniency when it’s deserved.
    Wendy Murphy, Boston Herald, 11 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • If trapped by moving water, seek the highest possible point and contact emergency services by calling 911.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 24 Aug. 2025
  • Uber recently announced a partnership with Lucid Motors and Nuro, an autonomous vehicle company, to develop an autonomous taxi service.
    Charles Singh, USA Today, 24 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Candida auris can infect the bloodstream and even cause death by invading the blood, heart and brain, the CDC said.
    Joyce Orlando, Nashville Tennessean, 21 Aug. 2025
  • Frierson, 60, who stands 6-feet tall, has made good use of her comeback story — and her big heart and big personality — to attract supporters from all over Nashville, including the city's most affluent areas.
    Brad Schmitt, The Tennessean, 21 Aug. 2025

Cite this Entry

“Mercy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mercy. Accessed 3 Sep. 2025.

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