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Mercilessly - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

Mercilessly means acting without pity or compassion, often harshly or cruelly. It describes actions done relentlessly, showing no mercy or kindness toward others. Example: The storm battered the coast mercilessly.

mercilessly

/ˈmɜrsələsli/ /ˈmɜːsɪləsli/

Definition:

Without pity or compassion; showing no mercy.

Synonyms:

ruthlessly, relentlessly, pitilessly, harshly

Part of Speech:

adverb

Antonyms:

mercifully, compassionately

Common Collocations:

criticize mercilessly, attack mercilessly, tease mercilessly

Derivatives:

merciless, mercilessness

Usage Tips:

Use "mercilessly" to describe actions done without any kindness or leniency, often harshly or cruelly.

Common Phrases:

cut down mercilessly, hunted mercilessly, mocked mercilessly

Etymology:

Derived from "mercy" + "-less" + "-ly," meaning in a manner lacking mercy (14th century).

Examples:

  • 1. The sun beat down mercilessly on the desert travelers.
  • 2. The coach criticized the team mercilessly after their loss.
  • 3. She teased her brother mercilessly about his haircut.
  • 4. The storm raged mercilessly through the small village.

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