merciless

adjective

ˈmər-si-ləs How to pronounce merciless (audio)
Definition of mercilessnext
as in ruthless
having or showing a lack of sympathy or tender feelings she is a merciless competitor at board games of any kind

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 merciless But the movie very much belongs to Trinca and Bruni Tedeschi, just as Anna belongs to the merciless stranger. — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 8 Sep. 2026 More than 3,000 shows and a sizable cult following later, The Dark Room has evolved into a choose-your-own-adventure live action video game, presided over by Robertson as its obscene, merciless and incredibly quick-witted host. — Rebecca Rosman, NPR, 31 Aug. 2026 In Braun’s script, the merciless obstacle course of singlehood seems just absurd. — Faith Hill, The Atlantic, 14 Aug. 2026 Regehr was relentless and merciless, and Oilers fans had to witness it over and over again. — Sean McIndoe, New York Times, 25 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for merciless
Recent Examples of Synonyms for merciless
  1. ruthless
  2. stony
Adjective
  • Today, it is widely known that coal miners of the 19th and early 20th centuries experienced ruthless exploitation and hazardous working conditions.
    — Marcus Librizzi, The Conversation, 26 Oct. 2026
  • Involuntary bumping is more ruthless, denying boarding to passengers in a joyless game of musical plane seats.
    — Andrea Sachs, Washington Post, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of ruthless
Adjective
  • Oscar Wilde, for example, reposes beneath a hulking deity whose iconoclastic castration, back in 1961, did little to restrain pilgrims seeking to smear red lips across his stony physique.
    — Emily Cox, ARTnews.com, 22 May 2026
  • Instead of looking like a sleek urban loft, the room can quickly start to feel cold, stony, and impersonal.
    — Natasha Bazika, Martha Stewart, 9 May 2026
Definition of stony

Browse Nearby Words

mercifulness
merciless
mercilessly
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Merciless.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/merciless. Accessed 30 Oct. 2026.

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