merciful

adjective

mer·​ci·​ful ˈmər-si-fəl How to pronounce merciful (audio)
: full of mercy : compassionate
a merciful ruler
also : providing relief
a merciful end
mercifulness 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
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.
The New York Giants’ season will come to a merciful end Sunday with a matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles. Dan Duggan, The Athletic, 2 Jan. 2025 The former cannot escape his past, carrying the burden of memory; the latter, touched by the merciful hand of fate, has freed himself from that weight. Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 23 Aug. 2024 The miserable 2024-25 New York Giants season came to a merciful end with a 20-13 loss to the division rival Philadelphia Eagles. Charlotte Carroll, The Athletic, 5 Jan. 2025 That, however, was the merciful end to the Flyers’ comeback bid as the B’s somehow survived the onslaught for the win. Steve Conroy, Boston Herald, 16 Mar. 2024 See all Example Sentences for merciful 

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of merciful was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near merciful

Cite this Entry

“Merciful.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/merciful. Accessed 28 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

merciful

adjective
mer·​ci·​ful ˈmər-si-fəl How to pronounce merciful (audio)
: having or showing mercy : compassionate
a merciful ruler
mercifully
-f(ə-)lē
adverb
mercifulness noun
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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