The meaning of MERCIFUL is full of mercy : compassionate; also : providing relief. How to use merciful in a sentence.

MERCIFUL definition: full of mercy; characterized by, expressing, or showing mercy; compassionate. See examples of merciful used in a sentence.

MERCIFUL definition: 1. someone who is merciful is willing to be kind to and forgive people who are in their power: 2…. Learn more.

Define merciful. merciful synonyms, merciful pronunciation, merciful translation, English dictionary definition of merciful. adj. Full of mercy; compassionate: sought merciful treatment for the captives. …

If you describe an event or situation as merciful, you mean that it is a good thing, especially because it stops someone's suffering or discomfort. His injuries were so severe, death would be merciful. …

Definition of merciful adjective in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

Factsheet What does the word merciful mean? There are three meanings listed in OED's entry for the word merciful. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025 mer•ci•ful (mûr′ si fəl), adj. full of mercy; characterized by, expressing, or showing mercy; compassionate: a merciful God.

Mar 6, 2026 · Adjective merciful (comparative more merciful, superlative most merciful) Showing mercy. Synonyms: pitiful, relentful, ruthful; see also Thesaurus: merciful Antonyms: cruel, merciless; see …

Merciful refers to showing or exercising mercy, which may include compassion, kindness, empathy, or forgiveness towards someone who it is within one's power to punish or harm.