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
Savory pork and briny tapenade slam against your palate, while a merciful scattering of greens doused with lemon juice softens the blow.
—
Bradley Hohulin, IndyStar, 2 July 2025
Orner practices merciful distillation, infusing every word with regret, sorrow, or wonder.
—Donna Seaman
june 18, Literary Hub, 18 June 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for merciful
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.
Bradley Hohulin, IndyStar, 2 July 2025
Orner practices merciful distillation, infusing every word with regret, sorrow, or wonder.
—Donna Seaman
june 18, Literary Hub, 18 June 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for merciful
Cite this Entry
“Merciful.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/merciful. Accessed 14 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share