MERCY Synonyms: 158 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

mercy

noun

ˈmər-sē

Definition of mercy next

as in mercifulness

kind, gentle, or compassionate treatment especially towards someone who is undeserving of it always show your enemies mercy, because it makes you a better person

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in kindness

an act of kind assistance did a mercy for the stranded motorist and was richly rewarded

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in sympathy

the capacity for feeling for another's unhappiness or misfortune a woman of such mercy that she's been known to cry over dead rodents

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Examples 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 Feds push for prison time Awad was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Mark A. Goldsmith, the same judge who earlier this week refused to show mercy to the former mayor by rejecting his plea to serve his time in his home — the same home that was built with bribes. —

Tresa Baldas, Detroit Free Press, 24 Oct. 2024 In this new system, financial institutions, governments and consumers would no longer be at the mercy of legacy infrastructures or energy-hungry blockchains. —

Eric Solis, Forbes, 23 Oct. 2024 But the snow hasn’t finished with Wellington-on-Sea yet, and the adults soon find themselves at the mercy of the elements. —

Damon Wise, Deadline, 19 Oct. 2024 What if a popular writer was at the mercy of an obsessive fan? —

EW.com, 17 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for mercy

Recent Examples of Synonyms for mercy

Noun

And not one but two acts of kindness that hide betrayals, proving that people are not to be trusted.

David Fear, Rolling Stone, 1 Nov. 2024
Erivo and Grande provided baked goods — and Uggs! Newcomer Marissa Bode, who plays Elphaba's younger sister Nessarose, remembers acts of kindness from both Erivo and Grande.

Eric Andersson, People.com, 31 Oct. 2024