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
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
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for merciful
Adjective
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To supplement those real-life cases, providers visit simulation labs, do monthly mock scenarios, and review advanced skills, such as using an ultrasound to help guide breathing tubes into patient airways.—
Arielle Zionts. KFF Health News,
CNN Money,
14 Aug. 2025
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Through the strategic integration of AI, organizations can simultaneously improve patient outcomes, drive efficiency and enhance operational responsibilities.—
Mammon Baloch,
Forbes.com,
14 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
CEOs take on all sorts of personas, from the benevolent leader to the cutthroat business executive.—
Preston Fore,
Fortune,
10 Aug. 2025
-
As a benevolent barbarian warrior in the mythical land of Hyrkania, Sonja is enslaved and imprisoned by the ecocidal emperor known as Draygan (Robert Sheehan).—
Brian Davids,
HollywoodReporter,
8 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Safe, compassionate care is always our top priority.—
Cara Lynn Shultz,
People.com,
14 Aug. 2025
-
The drama, which had its world premiere as a special gala at the Berlin international film festival in February, stars September 5 and Teacher’s Lounge actress Leonie Benesch as Floria, a compassionate nurse whose hectic late shift turns into a race against time amid chronic staff shortages.—
Scott Roxborough,
HollywoodReporter,
12 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Even for Southern Baptists who aren’t sympathetic toward Hunt and Sills, the legal costs to fight those cases have led to an overall diminished appetite for implementing and funding certain reform.—
Liam Adams,
The Tennessean,
21 Aug. 2025
-
Maggie Carney is a comic delight as Elizabeth, the household’s sympathetic but highly disciplined head housekeeper.—
Pam Kragen,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
16 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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In her first interview as a filmmaker, Renée Zellweger is as gracious as ever.—
Lily Ford,
HollywoodReporter,
17 Aug. 2025
-
Its three-stateroom design allow owners and guests can enjoy weekend cruising, while the exterior promotes gracious outdoor living in the large beach-club area, or up on the sport bridge.—
Michael Verdon,
Robb Report,
13 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Asked about Trump's relationship with her and with Epstein, Maxwell said Trump was always kind and cordial with her.—
Aysha Bagchi,
USA Today,
24 Aug. 2025
-
Sweet, feisty, kind, smart, sensitive and spiritual.—
Natalia Senanayake,
People.com,
21 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Isla Baker, 14, of Downers Grove, plays Mrs. Dashwood, the kindly mother of the girls, and two other characters.—
Hank Beckman,
Chicago Tribune,
15 July 2025
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Those with kindly outlooks might believe that people comfy with that kind of damage might not understand its impact.—
Pat Beall,
The Orlando Sentinel,
9 July 2025
Adjective
-
How to Trim Zucchini Plants Prune with a gentle hand, taking this approach from Sears.—
Amy Brightfield,
Better Homes & Gardens,
22 Aug. 2025
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The finish is long and silky, with subtle caramel and gentle wood spice notes.—
Joseph V Micallef,
Forbes.com,
21 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Merciful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/merciful. Accessed 28 Aug. 2025.
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