1
as in mercifulness
kind, gentle, or compassionate treatment especially towards someone who is undeserving of it
always show your enemies mercy, because it makes you a better person
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2
as in kindness
an act of kind assistance
did a mercy for the stranded motorist and was richly rewarded
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3
as in sympathy
the capacity for feeling for another's unhappiness or misfortune
a woman of such mercy that she's been known to cry over dead rodents
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of mercy
The toy industry is heavily reliant on supply chains in China, leaving toy makers at the mercy of trade policy.
—
Sarah Whitten, CNBC, 11 Apr. 2025
Now, however, those people are at the mercy of the Republika Srpska police—the very force responsible for the murders.
—Ismet Fatih Cancar, Foreign Affairs, 9 Apr. 2025
In essence, the case for Congress fulfilling its responsibilities is the same as the case for written law per se: No free man wants to be at the mercy of a king.
—The Editors, National Review, 8 Apr. 2025
But unlike jellyfish, which drift and swim in ocean currents, V. velella are at the mercy of the wind.
—Margherita Bassi, Smithsonian Magazine, 8 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for mercy
Sarah Whitten, CNBC, 11 Apr. 2025
Now, however, those people are at the mercy of the Republika Srpska police—the very force responsible for the murders.
—Ismet Fatih Cancar, Foreign Affairs, 9 Apr. 2025
In essence, the case for Congress fulfilling its responsibilities is the same as the case for written law per se: No free man wants to be at the mercy of a king.
—The Editors, National Review, 8 Apr. 2025
But unlike jellyfish, which drift and swim in ocean currents, V. velella are at the mercy of the wind.
—Margherita Bassi, Smithsonian Magazine, 8 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for mercy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mercy
Noun
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At the time of publication, the video of her efforts has been watched over 228,000 times, with users flocking to offer words of kindness in the comments section.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
25 Apr. 2025
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Becky’s independence, kindness, determination and beauty will live on through her forever.—
Becca Longmire,
People.com,
24 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Dutton's hardline rhetoric, including sympathy for Trump's style of politics and calls for closer ties with like-minded nationalist leaders, has unnerved moderate voters.—
Mohammed Soliman,
MSNBC Newsweek,
28 Apr. 2025
-
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. issued a statement expressing sympathy with the victims and their families.—
Jim Morris and Rob Gilles,
Christian Science Monitor,
27 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
My empathy was with the innocent football fans over any aggressor.—
Andy Mitten,
New York Times,
28 Apr. 2025
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Look for those who lead with empathy but think like operators—independent, resourceful and invested in outcomes.—
Paulina Wierzbicka,
Forbes.com,
28 Apr. 2025
Noun
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That is, the papal state gave him the grace to be even more united to the people, over and above his low profile, a warm person.—
Escher Walcott,
People.com,
28 Apr. 2025
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Ellie accepts the decision with grace and equanimity.—
EW.com,
EW.com,
28 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Putting yourself in the other person’s shoes with compassion can be extremely helpful.—
Harriette Cole,
Mercury News,
18 Apr. 2025
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While Mateo's future had once been uncertain, his viral story has shown the difference compassion can make.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
17 Apr. 2025
Noun
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This collections cliff arrives after a period when defaulted borrowers might have grown accustomed to leniency so that the shock could be substantial.—
Shahar Ziv,
Forbes.com,
22 Apr. 2025
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Per The Hollywood Reporter, Maldonado-Passage asked for leniency on his sentence amid his diagnosis, with his attorney claiming at his resentencing that Maldonado-Passage was not receiving proper medical care.—
Nicole Briese,
People.com,
22 Apr. 2025
Noun
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His memorial service is set for Saturday, April 26, at 10 a.m. local time (4 a.m. ET), and his body will be buried at Rome's Basilica of Saint Mary Major in a simple wooden casket, per his request.—
Anthony Robledo,
USA Today,
26 Apr. 2025
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As part of the deal, Beijing committed to purchase at least $200 billion in additional U.S. goods and services above 2017 levels.—
Ryan Hass,
Time,
25 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Yellows 1, 2, 3 and 4: Were all banned in 1959 after they were potentially linked to lesions and heart damage.—
Mary Walrath-Holdridge,
USA Today,
24 Apr. 2025
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This presents the reader, especially one steeped in mystery fiction, with a familiar irony: Skilled detectives typically win readers’ hearts because of their flaws, not despite them.—
Talya Zax,
The Atlantic,
23 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Mercy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mercy. Accessed 2 May. 2025.
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