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Synonym Chooser

How does the noun mercy differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of mercy are charity, clemency, grace, and leniency. While all these words mean "a disposition to show kindness or compassion," mercy implies compassion that forbears punishing even when justice demands it.

threw himself on the mercy of the court

When would charity be a good substitute for mercy?

While the synonyms charity and mercy are close in meaning, charity stresses benevolence and goodwill shown in broad understanding and tolerance of others.

show a little charity for the less fortunate

When can clemency be used instead of mercy?

The words clemency and mercy are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, clemency implies a mild or merciful disposition in one having the power or duty of punishing.

the judge refused to show clemency

When is it sensible to use grace instead of mercy?

The synonyms grace and mercy are sometimes interchangeable, but grace implies a benign attitude and a willingness to grant favors or make concessions.

by the grace of God

When is leniency a more appropriate choice than mercy?

The words leniency and mercy can be used in similar contexts, but leniency implies lack of severity in punishing.

criticized the courts for excessive leniency

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of mercy When sending and receiving payments, SMBs can find themselves at the mercy of exchange rates. Visa Contributor, Forbes.com, 5 June 2025 But Cuomo and others are wrong to assume that the city is at the mercy of Capitol lawmakers. Paul Sonn, New York Daily News, 4 June 2025 Despite reforms in Zambia, Ghana, and Egypt, fuel subsidies remain widespread across Africa—leaving import-reliant nations' public finances at the mercy of external shocks, instead of freeing up funds for infrastructure and public services. Newsweek Staff, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 June 2025 Cruz Azul had no mercy in front of a partisan crowd at the Estadio Olímpico Universitario, and Cruz Azul manager Vicente Sánchez gave several starters their deserved curtain call in the 66th minute, another subtle jab at the visitor’s fragile ego. Felipe Cardenas, New York Times, 1 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for mercy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mercy
Noun
  • Critically, the Predator’s language is translated so that the three warriors can understand their captors, but that kindness does not extend to letting the prisoners understand each other.
    Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 13 June 2025
  • But in the fleet, pacey manner of the editing, toggling between private and public moments with highlight-reel efficiency, the film is a stirring glimpse of top-down kindness as a winning leadership style.
    Robert Abele, Los Angeles Times, 13 June 2025
Noun
  • Ironically, this was the one episode where viewers were beginning to feel some sympathy for Ralphie, as his son got critically injured while roleplaying Lord of the Rings.
    Skyler Trepel, People.com, 10 June 2025
  • Communism was never discussed at meetings, but secret sympathies were difficult to sniff out.
    Eli Wizevich, Smithsonian Magazine, 5 June 2025
Noun
  • Internally, team members are trained to lead with empathy and build commitments, not transactions.
    Wyles Daniel, USA Today, 14 June 2025
  • Praise their critical thinking, empathy, and courage to reject unhealthy trends.
    Sherri Gordon, Parents, 14 June 2025
Noun
  • After the music came a promo video of remarkable subtlety and grace.
    Felipe Cardenas, New York Times, 15 June 2025
  • All of this playing out across five hours and 29 minutes of speed and grace and power and athletic character.
    Mike Lupica, New York Daily News, 14 June 2025
Noun
  • Each of us can use the next six months working on our own heart, praying for a heart that is filled with compassion and love.
    Bea L. Hines, Miami Herald, 6 June 2025
  • Balancing business needs with compassion for people is critical to preserving trust and morale through a difficult transition, for both employees who are retained and also for those impacted by layoffs.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 5 June 2025
Noun
  • The judge cited the defendants' ages and health concerns as reasons for leniency.
    Doc Louallen, ABC News, 6 June 2025
  • Mia Matthews, ex-wife of Palm Beach real estate swindler and Rowland friend Robert Matthews, was in federal court Thursday in Bridgeport where, after pleading for leniency, she was sentenced to probation and fined $6,000 for evading $2.75 million in taxes with her former husband.
    Edmund H. Mahony, Hartford Courant, 5 June 2025
Noun
  • This is one of the most important services of their lives.
    Buddha Lo, People.com, 13 June 2025
  • The drop was largely due to a contraction in the services sector, which took a knock after the government ended a tax break for some home buyers.
    Anna Cooban, CNN Money, 12 June 2025
Noun
  • The festival’s heart lies in the Cour d’honneur of the Palais des Papes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and its original stage.
    Lee Sharrock, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
  • Potential symptoms include insomnia, muscle cramps, constipation, nausea and vomiting, fatigue, weakness, numbness, tingling, personality changes and heart arrhythmias, experts say.
    Amy McGorry, FOXNews.com, 9 June 2025

Cite this Entry

“Mercy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mercy. Accessed 20 Jun. 2025.

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