Search Dictionary
Definition of mercifulness

mercifulness

/ˈmɜːr.sɪ.fəl.nəs/
mer · ci · ful · ness
Adverb:mercifully
•
Adjective:merciful
JUMP TO:

mercifulness Lexical Profile

mercifulness Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The quality or state of being merciful; a disposition to show compassion, forgiveness, or leniency toward someone whom it is within one's power to punish or harm.

Example

"The judge was known throughout the district for his mercifulness toward first-time offenders who showed genuine remorse."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for mercifulness
Antonyms
View all antonyms for mercifulness

• Nearby Words

merchantman
merciful
mercifully
mercifulness
merciless
mercilessly
mercilessness

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in Middle English from the adjective 'merciful' and the Old English noun-forming suffix '-ness'. The root 'mercy' derives from Old French 'merci', from Medieval Latin 'mercedem' (reward, wages, or favor).

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Mercifulness. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/mercifulness
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.