What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
merciless
Example
The dictator was merciless in his treatment of political dissidents. [merciless: adjective]
Example
The storm raged on mercilessly, destroying everything in its path. [mercilessly: adverb]
cruel
Example
The cruel stepmother made Cinderella do all the housework. [cruel: adjective]
Example
It's cruel to keep animals in small cages without proper care. [cruel: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Cruel is more commonly used than merciless in everyday language. Cruel is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while merciless is less common and may be used in more formal or literary contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between merciless and cruel?
Merciless is generally considered more formal than cruel. While both words can be used in formal or informal contexts, merciless may be more appropriate in academic or literary writing.
