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

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

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as in kindness

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

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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

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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 Any excuse to drop the laptop, leave the city, turn the phone over, or pretend for seventy-two hours that the inbox has lost its jurisdiction is taken as a minor national mercy. — Alexander Puutio, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026 Algeria found itself at the mercy of Lionel Messi who scored a wonderful hat-trick in its first game, although the Argentine forward was somewhat assisted by some terrible defending that will need to get better. — Ben Church, CNN Money, 22 June 2026 For example, when Rhode Islanders complained about how the British ship Gaspee was attacking their ships without mercy in its hunt for smugglers, the Royal Navy waved away the colonial government. — Robert Parkinson, The Conversation, 24 June 2026 Yet the greater influence, Campo believes, on America’s self-governing sense of law, justice and mercy is found at the Museum of the Bible, where the famous portrait of General Washington in prayer headlines the museum’s exhibit. — Lauren Green, FOXNews.com, 2 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for mercy

Recent Examples of Synonyms for mercy

Noun

The key is to partner with AI, leveraging its speed and analytical power while focusing on uniquely human skills like creativity, empathy, and critical thinking.

— William Arruda, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026
The obscene pay of CEOs, growing 20 times as fast as workers’ pay last year, and the obscene wealth in the tech world, with money cascading into the hands of greedy billionaires who lack empathy or even noblesse oblige.

— Maureen Dowd, Mercury News, 4 July 2026

Definition of empathy

Noun

All of us are invited to choose to become better human beings and to show up at work and in the world with increasing love, kindness, courage and forgiveness.

— Mikhail Shneyder, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
That instinct to lean into life with curiosity, optimism, and kindness is, perhaps, America's greatest attraction.

— Divia Thani, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 July 2026

Definition of kindness

Noun

Jones has an enormous amount of sympathy for his father, who was totally in over his head.

— Hadley Hall Meares, Vanity Fair, 3 July 2026
After Kean’s statement, Representative Ritchie Torres, who has spoken about his own treatment for depression, expressed sympathy but argued that long absences from public office deserve explanation.

— Brian Castrucci, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026

Definition of sympathy

Noun

Their coupling instantly captured the attention and hearts of fans around the world, and Swift’s presence at Chiefs games was even credited with bolstering female interest in NFL football.

— Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026
His update on the C-cut began just below the chin, with extra lift at the roots and inward-curving lengths that narrowed toward the ends to create the illusion of a heart.

— Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 3 July 2026

Definition of heart

Noun

Part of the proposals would see Ofwat showing greater leniency towards Thames, whose performance has incurred the regulator's wrath on numerous occasions.

— Ian King, CNBC, 1 July 2026
Keanu Reeves came to Rinsch’s defense last month, asking the judge for leniency in the case.

— Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 30 June 2026

Definition of leniency

Noun

In response to what state leaders describe as threats from the federal government, the Minnesota Department of Human Services began the major task of revalidating 5,472 providers across various service programs deemed at high risk for fraud.

— Conor Wight, CBS News, 2 July 2026
With families and corporate groups back on schedule, historic resorts empty out and service gets noticeably more personal.

— Christopher Elliott, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026

Definition of service

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“Mercy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mercy. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of mercy

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More from Merriam-Webster on mercy

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