merciful crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're stuck on the "merciful crossword clue", you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of potential answers, categorized by their letter count, along with helpful explanations to guide you to the correct solution. Let's solve that puzzle!
Solutions for "merciful crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
KIND: Demonstrating a benevolent and compassionate nature, often used in contexts of not being harsh or cruel.
6 Letters
HUMANE: Characterized by compassion and sympathy for living beings, especially in the treatment of those under one's power.
7 Letters
LENIENT: Characterized by tolerance and generosity of spirit; not strict or severe.
8 Letters
GRACIOUS: Courteous, kind, and pleasant, especially in a condescending way to inferiors.
10 Letters
FORBEARING: Patient and restrained; able to tolerate delay, difficulty, or annoyance without reacting negatively.
13 Letters
COMPASSIONATE: Feeling or showing sympathy and concern for others.
More About "merciful crossword clue"
The term "merciful" in a crossword puzzle typically asks for a synonym describing someone or something that shows kindness, forgiveness, or leniency. It often refers to a quality of character, an action, or a state of being that is not harsh, cruel, or punitive. Common answers revolve around empathy, understanding, and a willingness to spare someone from undue suffering or punishment.
When encountering this clue, consider the specific context of the puzzle. Is it looking for an adjective describing a person, an adverb describing an action, or perhaps a noun form like 'mercy' or 'clemency'? The number of letters will, of course, be your primary guide, but understanding the nuances of synonyms like 'kind', 'humane', and 'lenient' can help you choose the precise word that fits the intersecting letters.
Sometimes, a clue might involve a play on words or a less direct synonym. Always keep an open mind to the possibility of lateral thinking. However, for "merciful," direct synonyms are usually the most common approach taken by crossword constructors.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Clue's Part of Speech: Is "merciful" used as an adjective (most common), implying a quality? Or could it subtly hint at an action or a noun? This helps narrow down word types.
- Look at Intersecting Letters: The most critical tip! Even if you have a few options, the letters already filled in from other clues will almost always reveal the correct answer.
- Consider Common Crossword Synonyms: Crossword puzzles often recycle similar synonyms for certain concepts. For 'merciful', words like 'kind', 'gentle', 'clement', and 'forgiving' are frequent visitors.
- Check for Word Length Variations: As shown above, 'merciful' can have answers of many different lengths. Don't limit your thinking to just one or two common ones.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'merciful' typically imply in a crossword clue?
In crosswords, 'merciful' often points to synonyms related to kindness, compassion, leniency, or forgiveness. Think of words that describe a gentle or understanding disposition, or an act of clemency.
Are there common tricky angles for 'merciful' clues?
Sometimes 'merciful' can be clued indirectly, such as referring to an action (like a 'merciful' act) rather than a direct characteristic. Pay attention to the part of speech required by the clue's structure, whether it's an adjective, adverb, or even a noun like 'mercy's' (implying 'of mercy').
How can I distinguish between similar answers like 'kind' and 'humane'?
The nuance often lies in the specific context provided by the rest of the clue, or intersecting letters. 'Humane' specifically relates to the treatment of living beings with compassion, while 'kind' is a broader term for a benevolent nature. Consider the number of letters and any intersecting words to narrow down the best fit.