1. compassion or forgiveness shown toward someone whom it is within one’s power to punish or harm
2. a fortunate thing; a blessing

Examples

• The judge showed mercy and gave him a lighter sentence.
• She begged for mercy from her captors.
• It was a mercy that no one was seriously injured in the accident.
• The king granted mercy to the prisoners.
• After walking for hours in the heat, the shade was a mercy.
• He threw himself on the court’s mercy.
• The rain was a mercy for the drought-stricken farmers.