MERCY Synonyms: 158 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

mercy

noun

ˈmər-sē

Definition of mercy next

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in kindness

an act of kind assistance did a mercy for the stranded motorist and was richly rewarded

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 Anything less risks leaving our community at the mercy of unchecked algorithms and corporate interests. —

Blake Behmer, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Jan. 2025 How To Wear Skinny Jeans Today More than almost any other fashion trend, denim is truly at the mercy of the body that is wearing it. —

Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 24 Jan. 2025 In the chaos, many were left with no choice but to leave their animals at the mercy of the flames. —

Terry Baddoo, USA TODAY, 21 Jan. 2025 The Bishop Who Pleaded With Trump: Bishop Mariann Budde locked eyes with the president and made a plea for mercy — and the war over spiritual authority in America was reignited. —

Jim Tankersley, New York Times, 23 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for mercy

Recent Examples of Synonyms for mercy

Noun

See Robin Williams unusual approach when visiting Christopher Reeve in hospital 01:07 CNN — While a lot has been said about the friendship between Robin Williams and Christopher Reeve, the famed pair’s bond illustrates a very basic and instrumental type of kindness, according to Reeve’s daughter.

— Dan Heching, CNN, 1 Feb. 2025
The Pacific Palisades neighborhood in the west and Altadena in the east will be irrevocably changed, but the propensity for kindness, for compassion speaks volumes of the interconnectivity of one of America’s largest cities.

— Kate Lavelle, Glamour, 31 Jan. 2025