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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

Example 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 Because most outdoor grills are left outdoors and at the mercy of the elements, rust can become an issue, especially on stainless steel models. Taylor Tobin, Southern Living, 2 July 2025 The religious display of the Lady of Guadalupe in lights at the factory, Maria’s prayer table, my own religious statues outside my home, and the plastic Virgin Mary in yards are merely means to the end — worshiping God and thanking him for our existence, salvation and his abundant mercy. Judy Knotts, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025 Forgiveness is an act, while mercy is a performance. Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 1 July 2025 Sales tax revenue, meanwhile, is at the mercy of uncertain macroeconomic conditions, with many U.S. economists predicting that the country might soon fall into a recession. Jonathan Horwitz, Oc Register, 26 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for mercy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mercy
Noun
  • Politeness and kindness are attributes that parents want to reinforce and encourage in their children.
    Lauryn Higgins, Parents, 7 July 2025
  • Lunches, meetings, phone calls, always Mark’s delicious southern drawl infusing us with his spirit and kindness.
    Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 7 July 2025
Noun
  • No doubt, Purvis is dealing with a lot, but Harris’ mother expressed no sympathy.
    Martha Ross, Mercury News, 9 July 2025
  • The new executive order comes at a time when popular sympathy for migrants has wavered, and when the political party traditionally allied with immigrants has shown a willingness to approach immigration policy from a new consensus.
    Emiliano Tahui Gómez, Austin American Statesman, 8 July 2025
Noun
  • But what makes the movie, and Supes himself, endearing is how the dude tackles any and all problems with empathy and sincerity.
    Brian Truitt, USA Today, 9 July 2025
  • This simple shift calms your brain’s stress response, makes your complaint more likely to be received with empathy and often leads to resolution. 2.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025
Noun
  • Jordan Johnson of Little Rock, president of JPJ Consulting, said a photo of Anderson’s Labrador retriever graces the boxes of Fiocchi shotgun duck hunting shells.
    arkansasonline.com, arkansasonline.com, 9 July 2025
  • The angels who remained received God’s illuminating grace and, as a result, their will and His are one.
    Mary Jo Bang July 9, Literary Hub, 9 July 2025
Noun
  • Stripped of her powers under a red sun, Supergirl must rely on her grit, compassion and wits to guide Ruthye on a path of vengeance and justice, ultimately confronting the nature of violence and power.
    Samantha Stutsman, People.com, 12 July 2025
  • To many of them, advancing Christian dominance matters more than human compassion.
    MSNBC Newsweek, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 July 2025
Noun
  • Brooklyn Federal Court Judge William Kuntz handed down a 12-year and three month sentence to gun dealer Raymond Minaya Tuesday, rejecting the 29-year-old defendant’s plea for leniency, but stopping short of the more than 15 years prosecutors had sought.
    John Annese, New York Daily News, 24 June 2025
  • While some investors are willing to lend him some leniency on timing and the exact details, many want concrete signs of progress.
    Bloomberg, Oc Register, 13 June 2025
Noun
  • If trapped by moving water, seek the highest possible point and contact emergency services by calling 911.
    STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT Updated July 6, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 July 2025
  • To get to the camp, far removed from cell service, families traveled on Highway 39, which runs along the Guadalupe River, crossing over the waterway at points.
    Eduardo Cuevas, USA Today, 6 July 2025
Noun
  • Gold was also a winner at Rahul Mishra, whose show opened with a minidress sculpted like a human heart decked-out in gold sequins.
    Ari Stark, Footwear News, 15 July 2025
  • What makes for a better song — a broken heart or falling in love?
    Brittany Talarico, People.com, 15 July 2025

Cite this Entry

“Mercy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mercy. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.

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