merciful

[ˈmɜrsɪfəl]

merciful Definition

• 1. showing or giving mercy; forgiving
• 2. having or showing compassion

Using merciful: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "merciful" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  The judge was merciful and gave him a lighter sentence.

• Example

  She showed a merciful attitude towards her enemies.

• Example

  He prayed for a merciful death.

• Example

  The captain was merciful and spared the enemy soldiers.

merciful Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for merciful

• compassionate
• kind
• lenient
• forgiving
• gracious

Antonyms for merciful

• cruel
• harsh
• unforgiving

Phrases with merciful

• mercifully

  in a way that shows or gives mercy; fortunately

  Example

  Mercifully, the storm passed without causing any damage.

• merciful God

  a deity who is believed to be compassionate and forgiving

  Example

  In times of trouble, people often turn to a merciful God for help.

• merciful release

  a euphemism for death, especially when it is seen as a release from suffering

  Example

  After years of battling cancer, she finally found a merciful release.

Origins of merciful

from Old French 'mercier', meaning 'to have mercy'

📌

Summary: merciful in Brief

The term 'merciful' [ˈmɜrsɪfəl] describes a person or action that shows or gives mercy, forgiveness, or compassion. It can be used in various contexts, such as legal judgments, personal attitudes, or prayers, as in 'The judge was merciful and gave him a lighter sentence.' 'Merciful' also appears in phrases like 'mercifully,' indicating a fortunate outcome, and 'merciful God,' referring to a deity believed to be compassionate.