merciful
adjective
mer·ci·ful
ˈmər-si-fəl 
: full of mercy : compassionate
a merciful ruler
also
: providing relief
a merciful end
Examples of merciful in a Sentence
He became less merciful to his enemies.
He died a quick and merciful death.
Recent Examples on the Web
As the sun began to peek over the hillside, offering a merciful burst of warmth, Alonso Abugattas called this year’s Trillium Trek to order.
—
Ashley Stimpson, Washington Post, 11 May 2026
Would a just and merciful God approve of what is happening?
—Kenneth Seeskin, Chicago Tribune, 11 May 2026
Frankly, the 2-0 half-time scoreline was merciful on Villa, whose players looking sluggish and devoid of any inspiration.
—Tottenham Hotspur, New York Times, 3 May 2026
Would Homelander be merciful and spare just this one?
—Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 29 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for merciful
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Ashley Stimpson, Washington Post, 11 May 2026
Would a just and merciful God approve of what is happening?
—Kenneth Seeskin, Chicago Tribune, 11 May 2026
Frankly, the 2-0 half-time scoreline was merciful on Villa, whose players looking sluggish and devoid of any inspiration.
—Tottenham Hotspur, New York Times, 3 May 2026
Would Homelander be merciful and spare just this one?
—Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 29 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for merciful
Cite this Entry
“Merciful.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/merciful. Accessed 20 May. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
merciful
adjective
mer·ci·ful
ˈmər-si-fəl
: having or showing mercy : compassionate
a merciful ruler
mercifully
adverb
-f(ə-)lē
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