merciful (C1)

adjective

Pronunciation: /ˈmɜːrsɪfəl/

Definition

Showing compassion or forgiveness toward someone whom it is within one's power to punish or harm.

Examples

• The king was known for being merciful to his defeated enemies.

• She hoped for a merciful outcome after she confessed her mistake.

• The doctor provided a merciful end to the animal's suffering.

How to Use merciful

be merciful to (prepositional phrase)

showing kindness towards a specific person or group. — "Please be merciful to those who made an honest mistake."

Synonyms of merciful

Words with a similar meaning to merciful:

• kind
• gentle
• forgiving
• lenient
• compassionate

Antonyms of merciful

Words with the opposite meaning to merciful:

• cruel
• ruthless

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