merciless

adjective

mer·​ci·​less ˈmər-si-ləs How to pronounce merciless (audio)
: having or showing no mercy : pitiless
the merciless killing of innocent people
mercilessly adverb
mercilessness noun

Examples of merciless in a Sentence

the merciless killing of innocent people He has been merciless in his criticism of his opponent.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
But the ruthless cleaning up of those streets and merciless treatment of gang members have triggered outrage and concern among human rights organizations, which have condemned Cecot as inhumane and unacceptable. David Culver, CNN, 6 Nov. 2024 This special shorts program of new Spanish frights includes tales of merciless revenge, spine-chilling supernatural terrors and gut-wrenching body horror. Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 17 Sep. 2024 Tragedies like these were confrontations — merciless verbal duels in which two characters plead their case, go on the attack, try to take each other apart. Sara Holdren, Vulture, 23 Sep. 2024 And as long as that’s their take, merciless heckling of those umps should be, too. Rolling Stone, 29 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for merciless 

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of merciless was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near merciless

Cite this Entry

“Merciless.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/merciless. Accessed 7 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

merciless

adjective
mer·​ci·​less ˈmər-si-ləs How to pronounce merciless (audio)
: having no mercy : pitiless
merciless slaughter
mercilessly adverb
mercilessness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on merciless

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!