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
The age difference between the Aunt Lydia School students and the actors who play them has never felt more merciful than in this week’s episode.
—
Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 22 Apr. 2026
The outcome, a 4-3 overtime win over the Los Angeles Kings, was at least something fun for the fans to enjoy at the merciful conclusion of a memorably miserable year.
—Thomas Drance, New York Times, 15 Apr. 2026
Ever since Jimmy Butler tore his ACL in January, the only reprieve from this slog of a campaign has been the promise of a swift, merciful end.
—Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 13 Apr. 2026
Guthrie and her siblings recorded videos, pleading for news, for help, for a merciful change of heart from whoever had absconded with their mom.
—Vinson Cunningham, New Yorker, 1 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for merciful
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Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 22 Apr. 2026
The outcome, a 4-3 overtime win over the Los Angeles Kings, was at least something fun for the fans to enjoy at the merciful conclusion of a memorably miserable year.
—Thomas Drance, New York Times, 15 Apr. 2026
Ever since Jimmy Butler tore his ACL in January, the only reprieve from this slog of a campaign has been the promise of a swift, merciful end.
—Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 13 Apr. 2026
Guthrie and her siblings recorded videos, pleading for news, for help, for a merciful change of heart from whoever had absconded with their mom.
—Vinson Cunningham, New Yorker, 1 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 24 Apr. 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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