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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 Republican congressional leaders have attached an increase in the debt limit to President Donald Trump’s tax and spending bill, which potentially puts avoiding a default at the mercy of complex negotiations over the legislation. Bloomberg News, Boston Herald, 1 June 2025 There is no mercy for the suffering of their grieving mothers and fathers. Ronald S. Safer, Chicago Tribune, 30 May 2025 There’s no room to enter a prompt, so you are left at the mercy of whatever the AI decides to do. Simon Hill, Wired News, 30 May 2025 No more tolerance of hatred, no more mercy for criminals. Sarah Beth Hensley, ABC News, 28 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for mercy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mercy
Noun
  • But in the fleet, pacey manner of the editing, toggling between private and public moments with highlight-reel efficiency, the film is a stirring glimpse of top-down kindness as a winning leadership style.
    Robert Abele, Los Angeles Times, 13 June 2025
  • Critically, the Predator’s language is translated so that the three warriors can understand their captors, but that kindness does not extend to letting the prisoners understand each other.
    Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 13 June 2025
Noun
  • Infused with equal parts outrage and sympathy, the song is a must-listen in these trying times.
    Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 30 May 2025
  • Alternately, his tone was infused with contempt, sarcasm or genuine sympathy for his subjects who had been victims of brutality unleashed by the Gestapo or secret police of the Vichy regime.
    David Anderson, Los Angeles Times, 29 May 2025
Noun
  • The Rise Of The Digital Leader Digital leaders operate at the intersection of three essential domains: technology (leveraging AI, automation and data to drive strategy), business (aligning digital efforts with measurable outcomes) and people (leading with empathy, influence and adaptability).
    Raj Polanki, Forbes.com, 3 June 2025
  • The idea of sharing our stories connects us as a whole, evoking empathy.
    Julia Moore, People.com, 2 June 2025
Noun
  • Then, on June 6, Venus will enter Taurus and your curious communication sector, dazzling your exchanges with poise, grace and irresistible charm.
    Valerie Mesa, People.com, 1 June 2025
  • Hernandez was the exception, turning in performances that embodied the athletic grace and emotional nuance of a true champion.
    Chris Snellgrove, EW.com, 1 June 2025
Noun
  • Each of us can use the next six months working on our own heart, praying for a heart that is filled with compassion and love.
    Bea L. Hines, Miami Herald, 6 June 2025
  • Balancing business needs with compassion for people is critical to preserving trust and morale through a difficult transition, for both employees who are retained and also for those impacted by layoffs.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 5 June 2025
Noun
  • The judge cited the defendants' ages and health concerns as reasons for leniency.
    Doc Louallen, ABC News, 6 June 2025
  • Mia Matthews, ex-wife of Palm Beach real estate swindler and Rowland friend Robert Matthews, was in federal court Thursday in Bridgeport where, after pleading for leniency, she was sentenced to probation and fined $6,000 for evading $2.75 million in taxes with her former husband.
    Edmund H. Mahony, Hartford Courant, 5 June 2025
Noun
  • This is one of the most important services of their lives.
    Buddha Lo, People.com, 13 June 2025
  • Keep in mind that these services may not work all the time.
    Louryn Strampe, Wired News, 12 June 2025
Noun
  • The festival’s heart lies in the Cour d’honneur of the Palais des Papes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and its original stage.
    Lee Sharrock, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
  • Potential symptoms include insomnia, muscle cramps, constipation, nausea and vomiting, fatigue, weakness, numbness, tingling, personality changes and heart arrhythmias, experts say.
    Amy McGorry, FOXNews.com, 9 June 2025

Cite this Entry

“Mercy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mercy. Accessed 17 Jun. 2025.

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