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
Despite his impassive eyes, balding pate, and slit of a smile, Robert Duvall could be volcanic and melancholic, mysterious and straightforward, vengeful and merciful.
—
Peter Tonguette, The Washington Examiner, 27 Feb. 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for merciful
Peter Tonguette, The Washington Examiner, 27 Feb. 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for merciful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for merciful
Adjective
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What happens when staying in school is no longer the sentimental choice, or the patient choice, but the best business decision available?—
C.J. Holmes,
New York Daily News,
30 Apr. 2026
-
Trump’s Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has proposed excluding diagnoses added by an insurer who merely reviews patient records but never actually sees the patient.—
Stephen Moore,
Boston Herald,
30 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
But statement that seems so benevolent can be anything but.—
Kathy and Ross Petrass,
CNBC,
24 Apr. 2026
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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
Adjective
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Her personality was so engaging, made everyone feel seen, heard, cared for, compassionate, fair-minded.—
Adam Sabes,
FOXNews.com,
26 Apr. 2026
-
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
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
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Polished, gracious — with a shadow just beneath the surface.—
Merle Ginsberg,
HollywoodReporter,
24 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Bahrain revoked citizenship from 69 individuals accused of being sympathetic to Iran.—
Dominic Dudley,
semafor.com,
28 Apr. 2026
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Several justices seemed sympathetic to the company’s argument that it can’t be sued under state law because federal regulators have found Roundup likely doesn’t cause cancer.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
27 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
The only thing keeping them from the bottom is the Boston Red Sox, who still play at a stadium not known to be kind to pitchers, Fenway Park.—
Mac Engel
April 30,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
30 Apr. 2026
-
The story behind the brand is the kind foodies love.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
30 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
In the morning, a kindly girl offers her a cup of milk.—
Rafaela Bassili,
Vulture,
13 Apr. 2026
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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
-
Both are gentler than acetone and won’t dry your nails and cuticles out as much, making this pot a great choice for those with sensitive skin.—
Sarah Felbin,
Allure,
30 Apr. 2026
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Cooked in a wood-burning oven, the chicken hums with a gentle smokiness and a complex, fruity chile flavor that’s warm, rounded and highly addictive.—
Jenn Harris,
Los Angeles Times,
30 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Merciful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/merciful. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
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