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Definition of mercifully

mercifully

/ˈmɝːsɪfəli/
mer · ci · ful · ly
Adjective:merciful
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mercifully Lexical Profile

mercifully Game Scores & Validity

• adverb

1

To one's great relief; fortunately or thankfully (used to express gratitude that an unpleasant situation was avoided or cut short).

Example

"The keynote speech was, mercifully, much shorter than the three-hour lecture we endured last year."

2

In a compassionate, forgiving, or lenient manner toward someone in one's power.

Example

"The judge chose to treat the first-time offender mercifully, ordering community service instead of prison time."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for mercifully

• Nearby Words

merchant
merchantman
merciful
mercifully
mercifulness
merciless
mercilessly

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in Middle English from the adjective 'merciful' plus the adverbial suffix '-ly'. The root 'mercy' entered English via Old French from Late Latin 'merces', originally meaning 'wages, reward, or favor'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Mercifully. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/mercifully
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