October 12, 2026
merciful
/ˈmɜːsɪfl̩/adjective
Kind and forgiving toward someone you have the power to punish or hurt.
Example sentences
- “The king was merciful and pardoned the young thief.”
- “The judge was merciful and gave the teenager community service instead of prison.”
The power imbalance is built in: only someone able to punish can be merciful. A 'merciful release' is a welcome end to suffering.