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 stoppage in the 11th round was a merciful one from Barrera’s corner.
—
Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025
If 10 percent of people are going to be cruel no matter what and 10 percent will be merciful no matter what, then the greatest battle of our lives, the real one, is not good versus evil.
—Stephanie Dillon, Rolling Stone, 23 May 2025
The Celtics met a merciful end at Madison Square Garden last night, 119-81, and now have a lot to figure out:
Tatum will miss a consequential period in his career.
—Sam Settleman, New York Times, 17 May 2025
Among vocational and merciful acts of service, Pope Francis would wash and kiss the feet of men, women and children, including those of prison inmates, during an annual Holy Thursday ritual.
—Gabriele Regalbuto, FOXNews.com, 26 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for merciful
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Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025
If 10 percent of people are going to be cruel no matter what and 10 percent will be merciful no matter what, then the greatest battle of our lives, the real one, is not good versus evil.
—Stephanie Dillon, Rolling Stone, 23 May 2025
The Celtics met a merciful end at Madison Square Garden last night, 119-81, and now have a lot to figure out:
Tatum will miss a consequential period in his career.
—Sam Settleman, New York Times, 17 May 2025
Among vocational and merciful acts of service, Pope Francis would wash and kiss the feet of men, women and children, including those of prison inmates, during an annual Holy Thursday ritual.
—Gabriele Regalbuto, FOXNews.com, 26 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for merciful
Cite this Entry
“Merciful.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/merciful. Accessed 12 Jul. 2025.
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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