Merciful: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when someone shows a lot of compassion and prevents suffering. Often used in religious or serious contexts.

• The judge was merciful and gave him a lighter sentence
• The merciful king freed the prisoners

Refers to showing deep sympathy and concern for others' suffering. Commonly used in healthcare or when describing someone's caring nature.

• The nurse was very compassionate with her patients
• His compassionate attitude made him a great leader

Describes someone who is naturally caring and generous. It is a general term that can be used in many situations.

• He is always kind to everyone he meets
• The kind stranger helped me with my groceries

Used when someone is willing to forgive mistakes or wrongdoings. It highlights the act of pardoning someone.

• She was forgiving even after being hurt
• Parents are often forgiving of their children's mistakes

Refers to being not very strict or severe, especially in dispensing discipline or punishment. Often has a negative connotation when excessive leniency is perceived as weakness.

• The teacher was lenient with the students who missed homework
• Some believe the law is too lenient on first-time offenders

Often used in religious or judicial contexts, typically to describe someone who shows mercy, forgiveness, or leniency.

• The judge was merciful and granted him a second chance.
• She prayed for a merciful resolution to their troubles.

Often used to describe someone who shows deep sympathy and a desire to help others who are suffering.

• She is a compassionate nurse who always puts her patients' needs first.
• His compassionate nature made him well-loved by everyone.

Commonly used to describe someone who is kind, courteous, and generous.

• She was a gracious hostess who made everyone feel welcome.
• The gracious donor contributed a large sum to the charity.

Usually used in formal or literary contexts to describe someone's gentle or mild nature, or favorable weather.

• The clement teacher allowed the students extra time to complete the assignment.
• They were fortunate to experience clement weather during their trip.

Used to describe someone who understands and cares about another person's feelings, often expressing empathy.

• He was sympathetic to her situation and offered his support.
• She gave him a sympathetic smile when he shared his troubles.

Used when describing someone who shows compassion or forgiveness towards someone whom it is within their power to punish or harm.

• The merciful king decided to pardon the prisoner.
• She gave him a merciful smile despite his mistakes.

Refers to someone who provides help, especially financial assistance, to a person or organization.

• The university received a large donation from an anonymous benefactor.
• He acted as a benefactor for many local charities.

Describes a person who selflessly puts the needs of others before their own, often sacrificing their own interests for the benefit of others.

• As an altruist, she dedicated her life to helping the homeless.
• His actions revealed him to be a true altruist.

Describes a person who seeks to promote the welfare of others, especially through generous financial donations to good causes.

• The renowned philanthropist donated millions to medical research.
• His legacy as a philanthropist lives on through the foundations he supported.

Used to describe someone who seeks to promote human welfare and social reform, often involved in large-scale social or political efforts to improve the lives of others.

• She worked as a humanitarian, focusing on providing aid to war-torn regions.
• The organization was well-known for its humanitarian efforts worldwide.