mer·ci·ful
ˈmər-si-fəl 
: full of mercy : compassionate
a merciful ruler
also
: providing relief
a merciful end
plural -es
: the quality or state of being merciful
Examples of merciful in a Sentence
Adjective
He became less merciful to his enemies.
He died a quick and merciful death.
Recent Examples on the Web
Corey Masisak, Denver Post, 27 May 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for merciful
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Adjective
That painful night in Dallas now feels merciful, compared with what this Avs team just experienced.
—Corey Masisak, Denver Post, 27 May 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for merciful
Cite this Entry
“Merciful.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/merciful. Accessed 18 Jun. 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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