mercies

Noun

mercy (countable and uncountable, plural mercies)

1. (uncountable) Relenting; forbearance to cause or allow harm to another.
   • She took mercy on him and quit embarrassing him.

   Synonyms:

   ruth, kindness, leniency, quarter

   Antonyms:

   mercilessness, ruthlessness, cruelty

2. (uncountable) Forgiveness or compassion, especially toward those less fortunate.
   • Have mercy on the poor and assist them if you can.

   Synonyms:

   pity, sympathy, bowels, commiseration, compassion, empathy, fellow feeling, remorse, rue, ruth

3. (uncountable) A tendency toward forgiveness, pity, or compassion.
   • Mercy is one of his many virtues.
4. (countable) Instances of forbearance or forgiveness.
   • Do not withhold Your tender mercies from me, O Lord1982, Bible (NKJV), Psalm 40:11a
5. (countable) A blessing; something to be thankful for.
   • It was a mercy that we were not inside when the roof collapsed
6. (uncountable) A children's game in which two players stand opposite with hands grasped and twist each other's arms until one gives in.

See all 11 meanings of mercy