What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
heartlessly
Example
He spoke heartlessly to his friend who was going through a tough time. [heartlessly: adverb]
Example
The heartlessly cruel treatment of animals in the circus sparked outrage among animal rights activists. [heartlessly: adjective]
mercilessly
Example
The dictator ruled the country mercilessly, crushing any opposition with force. [mercilessly: adverb]
Example
The storm raged on mercilessly, destroying everything in its path. [mercilessly: adverb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Mercilessly is more commonly used than heartlessly in everyday language. Mercilessly is a stronger and more versatile word that can be used in a wider range of contexts, while heartlessly is less common and more specific in its usage.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between heartlessly and mercilessly?
Both heartlessly and mercilessly are formal words that are typically used in serious or dramatic contexts, such as literature, news articles, or legal documents.
