as in patient
showing kindness and forgiveness instead of harshness or cruelty especially to someone under one's authority or control
When our English teacher caught us cheating, we prayed he would be merciful in deciding our punishment.
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Recent Examples of merciful
In a way, this can seem merciful.
—
Katherine J. Wu, The Atlantic, 24 Feb. 2026
The Olympics appear to be the merciful conclusion of an adductor muscle injury from last season’s 4 Nations Face-Off that cost him the rest of the regular season last year and forced him to play hurt during the playoffs.
—Chris Kudialis, Miami Herald, 23 Feb. 2026
These changes would ensure a more merciful society, one that pardons in the name not of a sovereign president, but of the people.
—Bernadette Meyler, Harpers Magazine, 27 Jan. 2026
Although Ake wants to be merciful, Anisha aided a crime that resulted in the death of a Federation officer.
—Joe Otterson, Variety, 16 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for merciful
Katherine J. Wu, The Atlantic, 24 Feb. 2026
The Olympics appear to be the merciful conclusion of an adductor muscle injury from last season’s 4 Nations Face-Off that cost him the rest of the regular season last year and forced him to play hurt during the playoffs.
—Chris Kudialis, Miami Herald, 23 Feb. 2026
These changes would ensure a more merciful society, one that pardons in the name not of a sovereign president, but of the people.
—Bernadette Meyler, Harpers Magazine, 27 Jan. 2026
Although Ake wants to be merciful, Anisha aided a crime that resulted in the death of a Federation officer.
—Joe Otterson, Variety, 16 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for merciful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for merciful
Adjective
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The 2-0 series lead for LA gives the Lakers the luxury of being able to be patient with their missing scorers.—
Dan Santaromita,
New York Times,
23 Apr. 2026
-
The event is hosted by the nonprofit Compassion & Choices, which works to improve patient autonomy and individual choice at the end of life.—
Linda Mcintosh,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
23 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
With the eventual blessing of his benevolent landlords, Grattan has completely transformed the rental unit— widening doorways, upgrading electrical systems, and reimagining every wall and ceiling.—
Sam Cochran,
Architectural Digest,
15 Apr. 2026
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Maybe the universe wasn’t on her side—would a benevolent god send Russ Sutton onto Cherry’s path?—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
15 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
When delivered as intended, hospice remains one of the most compassionate and effective models of care in our healthcare system.—
Tom Koutsoumpas,
Oc Register,
24 Apr. 2026
-
Much of this slick drama is a meditation on the differences between how baby boomers — in this case, an old hippy turned seemingly compassionate sage — talk and operate, and how that clashes with the language and moral urgency felt by a very different millennial generation.—
Chris Jones,
Chicago Tribune,
21 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
The architecture reflects that stately sensibility, with a classic Colonial Revival facade that gives way to interiors scaled for both gracious entertaining and relaxed family living.—
Mark David,
Robb Report,
24 Apr. 2026
-
Polished, gracious — with a shadow just beneath the surface.—
Merle Ginsberg,
HollywoodReporter,
24 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
During his presidency, Radev gained a reputation as being sympathetic to Russia.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
20 Apr. 2026
-
The scammer may sound friendly or sympathetic.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
20 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Focus on business and personal relationships with those who are kind, helpful and have your back.—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
24 Apr. 2026
-
The service The service is kind as only Romans can be, formal but always friendly.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
23 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
In the morning, a kindly girl offers her a cup of milk.—
Rafaela Bassili,
Vulture,
13 Apr. 2026
-
That’s the epiphany of a marooned American astronaut who thinks he’s been rescued by kindly Martians, only to realize he’s been installed as the newest exhibit in their zoo.—
David Dickstein,
Oc Register,
11 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Under a blue sky and puffy clouds, a gentle wind blew through a sea of about 6,000 native plants — Santa Barbara milk vetch, golden yarrow and purple sage.—
Lila Seidman,
Los Angeles Times,
23 Apr. 2026
-
Naomi Watts’ Skincare Must-Haves for Perimenopause If your face feels tight after washing, this creamy cleanser can give your skin a gentle reset.—
Jeaneen Russell,
PEOPLE,
23 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Merciful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/merciful. Accessed 27 Apr. 2026.
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