mercy crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! Below you'll find a comprehensive list of solutions for the crossword clue "mercy crossword clue", complete with explanations to help you understand the context and improve your crossword-solving skills. Discover answers across all possible word lengths.
Solutions for "mercy crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
PITY: A feeling of compassion or sympathy for the suffering of others. Often appears as a synonym for mercy in crosswords.
5 Letters
GRACE: Unmerited divine assistance given to humans; also, courteous goodwill or a state of being pardoned. Can signify mercy, especially divine mercy.
8 Letters
CLEMENCY: The act of showing mercy or leniency. Frequently used in legal contexts regarding punishment reduction.
LENIENCY: The quality or state of being lenient; mildness or tolerance, a synonym for mercy in certain contexts.
10 Letters
COMPASSION: Sympathetic pity and concern for the sufferings or misfortunes of others, a core aspect of mercy.
More About "mercy crossword clue"
The term "mercy" in crosswords can be a rich source of synonyms and related concepts. It typically refers to compassion, forgiveness, or leniency shown to someone who is in one's power and has no claim to kind treatment. This broad meaning allows for a variety of answers depending on the specific nuance the clue is aiming for.
When you encounter a "mercy" clue, consider the context. Is it "divine mercy"? Then GRACE might be appropriate. Is it a "judge's mercy"? CLEMENCY or LENIENCY could fit. Or is it a more general feeling of sympathy? PITY or COMPASSION would be strong candidates. The beauty of crossword clues around concepts like mercy is their ability to explore the subtle shades of meaning within the English language.
Always cross-reference with any letters you've already filled in from intersecting words. This can quickly narrow down the possibilities and guide you to the precise word the puzzle constructor had in mind.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Clue's Nuance: For clues like 'mercy', think about specific situations where mercy is shown (e.g., legal, spiritual, general human interaction) as this often points to a particular synonym.
- Consider Word Length: If you have some letters filled in, use the known length to eliminate possibilities. Our answer groups are specifically designed to help you with this.
- Look for Synonyms and Antonyms: Crossword constructors love to use synonyms. Sometimes, a clue for 'mercy' might even hint at its opposite, like 'harshness' or 'cruelty', requiring an antonym.
- Think of Homophones or Puns: While less common for abstract nouns like 'mercy', always keep an eye out for wordplay in clues that might lead to unexpected answers.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'mercy' typically mean in crosswords?
In crosswords, 'mercy' often refers to compassion, leniency, pity, or forgiveness. Clues might hint at divine mercy, a judge's decision, or simply a humane act. Common synonyms like 'grace', 'clemency', 'pardon', or 'pity' are frequent answers.
Are there different types of 'mercy' clues?
Yes, 'mercy' clues can vary. They might be straightforward synonyms, or more nuanced, hinting at specific contexts like 'courtroom mercy' (CLEMENCY), 'divine mercy' (GRACE), or 'show of mercy' (PITY, COMPASSION). Pay attention to surrounding words in the clue for context.
How can I distinguish 'mercy' from 'pity' or 'grace' in a crossword?
While related, subtle differences exist. 'Pity' often implies sorrow for suffering, 'grace' often suggests unearned favor (especially divine), and 'mercy' is more about refraining from harm or punishment when one has the power to inflict it. The letter count and specific phrasing of the clue are key to discerning the exact answer.