merciful
adjective
mer·​ci·​ful
| \ ˈmər-si-fəl
\
\
Definition of merciful
: full of mercy : compassionate
a merciful ruler
also
: providing relief
a merciful end
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Other Words from merciful
mercifulness
\ ˈmər-​si-​fəl-​nəs
\
noun
\
noun
Examples of merciful in a Sentence
He became less merciful to his enemies.
He died a quick and merciful death.
Recent Examples on the Web
Thucydides’s history portrays the Spartans as reluctant to go to war and often more merciful than their more liberal-minded opponents, the Athenians. — Nick Burns, The New Republic, "In Defense of Sparta," 7 Aug. 2019 Boos from the home crowd initially rained before a merciful chorus of applause and cheers drowned them out. — Jorge Castillo, latimes.com, "Dodgers romp against Red Sox to end skid at four games," 13 July 2019These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'merciful.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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More Definitions for merciful
merciful
adjective
English Language Learners Definition of merciful
: treating people with kindness and forgiveness : not cruel or harsh : having or showing mercy
: giving relief from suffering
See the full definition for merciful in the English Language Learners Dictionary
merciful
adjective
mer·​ci·​ful
| \ ˈmər-si-fəl
\
\
Kids Definition of merciful
: having or showing mercy or compassion
a merciful ruler
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