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
  • Choose kindness at home, let steadiness lead.
    Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 21 June 2026
  • Cancer June 21 – July 22 Clarity grows as your words find kindness.
    Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 20 June 2026
Noun
  • The Mayor, Council, and the City of Jackson offer our heartfelt sympathies to Brandi, Clint, Cal, Maggie, and the whole Butts County School System.
    CBS News Atlanta Digital Team, CBS News, 15 June 2026
  • The royal household, which has in the past expressed sympathy for all those affected by the case, declined to react to Monday's verdict.
    Gwladys Fouche, USA Today, 15 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
  • With the sparkling Sun shining on your 10th House of Career and Reputation, your grace under pressure becomes visible to the people who rely on you today.
    Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 21 June 2026
  • Prince William and Princess Kate lived in the grace-and-favour property as newlyweds.
    Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 20 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
  • Blackouts have lasted up to 20 hours a day and have restricted access to health services, transportation and education.
    Andrea Rodríguez, Los Angeles Times, 20 June 2026
  • In Mississippi, Highway 49 was covered with up to three feet of water, stranding cars, local officials reported to the weather service.
    Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 20 June 2026

Cite this Entry

“Mercy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mercy. Accessed 26 Jun. 2026.

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