to show mercy

Meanings

1. 1phrasefixed phraseformal

   to treat someone more gently than you have the power or right to, especially by not punishing them.

   Grammar: Often followed by 'to' or 'on' plus the person: show mercy to prisoners. It does not take a direct object without a preposition.

   Patterns

   • show mercy to someone
   • show mercy on someone
   • show someone mercy
   • beg for mercy

   The judge showed mercy to the young offender.

   They begged the king to show mercy on their village.

   He showed no mercy to his rivals.

2. 2phrasefixed phrasereligion

   to be kind and forgiving toward someone who has done wrong, especially in a religious sense.

   Grammar: Used without an object when the person is already clear: God will show mercy.

   Patterns

   • show mercy
   • show mercy to someone

   The prayer asks God to show mercy.

   In the story, the saint shows mercy even to his enemies.

Common combinations

show mercy to someone

The court decided to show mercy to the first-time offender.

beg for mercy

The defeated soldiers begged for mercy.

show no mercy

The coach showed no mercy during the final practice.

an act of mercy

Releasing the prisoners was seen as an act of mercy.

show mercy on someone

The villagers hoped the invaders would show mercy on them.

Synonyms and how they differ

spare

A verb meaning to decide not to punish or harm someone; it fits when the focus is on the decision not to act, while 'show mercy' stresses the merciful feeling.

forgive

Used mainly for personal wrongs and feelings of resentment; 'show mercy' is more often about punishment or power.

Opposites

Word family

merciful adjective

willing to forgive or be kind instead of punishing

merciless adjective

showing no kindness or pity at all

mercy noun

kindness shown to someone you have power over

Commonly confused: to show mercy or mercy killing?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “to show mercy”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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