Need another word for Merciful? Use these synonyms of Merciful from our thesaurus to say it differently.
Synonyms & Similar Words
compassionate
kind
lenient
gentle
humane
benevolent
charitable
clement
forgiving
tolerant
sympathetic
empathetic
understanding
gracious
generous
magnanimous
benign
tender
soft-hearted
warm-hearted
kind-hearted
philanthropic
altruistic
unselfish
selfless
considerate
thoughtful
beneferent
liberal
indulgent
permissive
lax
easy-going
forbearing
long-suffering
patient
calm
serene
peaceful
tranquil
soothing
comforting
solacing
mitigating
alleviating
palliating
assuaging
Meaning of Merciful
Having or showing a wish to do good to others, and to forgive those who have done wrong.
Definitions
- Showing or feeling pity, compassion, or forgiveness towards someone or something
- Willing to forgive or show leniency towards someone or something
- Having a moderate or gentle quality, as opposed to being harsh or severe
Etymology of Merciful
The word "Merciful" originates from the Old French word "merciable", which is derived from the Latin word "merces", meaning "reward" or "pay", and the suffix "-ful", which forms an adjective indicating a quality or state.
Historically, the word "Merciful" has been used in English since the 14th century to describe a quality of being forgiving or lenient, often in a religious or moral context.
Example Uses
- The judge was merciful and gave the defendant a reduced sentence due to their cooperation.
- The merciful doctor did everything she could to ease the patient's suffering.
- The merciful actions of the charity organization helped to alleviate the poverty in the community.
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
cruel
harsh
severe
unforgiving
merciless
ruthless
brutal
savage
ferocious
inhumane
heartless
cold-blooded
unfeeling
unsympathetic
intolerant
unforgivable
vindictive
punitive
retaliatory
vengeful
merciless
pitiless
relentless
unrelenting
stern
austere
strict
rigid
unyielding
callous
hard-hearted