Definition of mercynext
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Synonym Chooser

How does the noun mercy differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of mercy are charity, clemency, grace, and leniency. While all these words mean "a disposition to show kindness or compassion," mercy implies compassion that forbears punishing even when justice demands it.

threw himself on the mercy of the court

When would charity be a good substitute for mercy?

While the synonyms charity and mercy are close in meaning, charity stresses benevolence and goodwill shown in broad understanding and tolerance of others.

show a little charity for the less fortunate

When can clemency be used instead of mercy?

The words clemency and mercy are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, clemency implies a mild or merciful disposition in one having the power or duty of punishing.

the judge refused to show clemency

When is it sensible to use grace instead of mercy?

The synonyms grace and mercy are sometimes interchangeable, but grace implies a benign attitude and a willingness to grant favors or make concessions.

by the grace of God

When is leniency a more appropriate choice than mercy?

The words leniency and mercy can be used in similar contexts, but leniency implies lack of severity in punishing.

criticized the courts for excessive leniency

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of mercy That means that European nations, like the Gulf States and every other nation dependent on access to the strait, will be at Iran’s mercy. Robert Kagan, The Atlantic, 19 June 2026 As an agricultural product, wine is at the mercy of weather events such as drought, frost, hail, and wildfires. Mike Desimone, Robb Report, 17 June 2026 That's a great way for the firm to diversify its revenue and not rely so heavily on net interest income streams, which are at the mercy of the Fed's interest rate decisions. Morgan Chittum, CNBC, 16 June 2026 Smartphones and smartwatches running Android and Wear OS that aren't in Google's pipeline are at the mercy of their manufacturers. Florence Ion, PC Magazine, 16 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for mercy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mercy
Noun
  • It's called cognitive empathy, not to be confused with emotional empathy.
    Dana Taylor, USA Today, 23 June 2026
  • In a field where founders are taught to move fast and break things, Gen Z is taking a new approach, engineering with empathy.
    Lydia T. Blanco, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026
Noun
  • So to find herself so far from Alicent’s kindness and affirmation is really stark.
    Jennifer Maas, Variety, 29 June 2026
  • The whole group went to the Haiti-Morocco game this weekend, closing a loop of kindness that extended beyond Thompson’s original gesture.
    AJ Willingham, AJC.com, 26 June 2026
Noun
  • And, for all the theater of the hearing and Wyper’s expressions of sympathy with aldermen, the Stonepeak executive didn’t offer any meaningful concessions to make this obnoxious meter deal more palatable for Chicagoans.
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 26 June 2026
  • No premature judgment and no overwrought sympathy here.
    Bob Wojnowski, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 June 2026
Noun
  • These displays of simulated compassion can evolve into romance scams or attempts to defraud beneficiaries out of inheritance money.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 23 June 2026
  • Practicing self-compassion – that is, offering yourself warmth, nonjudgment and understanding during stressful and challenging moments – can reduce anxiety, depression and internalized stigma.
    Christina Balderrama-Durbin, The Conversation, 22 June 2026
Noun
  • Mbappé, a compact, powerful player who moves across the top of the box with flawless grace, attracts the most attention on the World Cup stage.
    Louisa Thomas, New Yorker, 27 June 2026
  • Bear detractors may feel that Carmy is getting off too easily in this episode, and that the grace he’s shown is a bit too narratively convenient.
    Jen Chaney, Vulture, 26 June 2026
Noun
  • Others develop dangerous fluctuations in blood pressure and abnormal heart rhythms because the autonomic nervous system becomes affected.
    Faye Chiu, CNN Money, 23 June 2026
  • Let heart guide tone, and your message lands.
    Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 23 June 2026
Noun
  • Other defendants and their family members pleaded for leniency in court.
    Jamie Stengle, Los Angeles Times, 23 June 2026
  • Only when talking of what actually went on in the Rex Rooms in Chelsea at the end of a long day and night celebrating a win wrapped up before lunch on Sunday did Key offer any leniency towards cricketers who had been socialising with members of the Saracens rugby team.
    Paul Newman, New York Times, 11 June 2026
Noun
  • The Broadway production has also formed an official partnership with mental health nonprofit Project Healthy Minds to reduce barriers to care by making support options for mental health services easily accessible to those in need.
    Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 27 June 2026
  • In the next few days, Raikes said IRC teams will focus on getting basic necessities like food, water and shelter to those who need it, and to deliver medical supplies to health services.
    Osmary Hernández, CNN Money, 27 June 2026

Cite this Entry

“Mercy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mercy. Accessed 29 Jun. 2026.

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