
Mercy
Authority Dependent
Often used when someone in power shows kindness to someone being punished.

The king had mercy on the rebellious knight.
Not Obligatory
'Mercy' implies a choice to be kind when harshness could be justified.

Despite our rivalry, she showed me mercy.
Emotional Appeal
Pleading for mercy often displays vulnerability or desperation.

He dropped to his knees and begged for mercy.
Compare with
BenevolenceClemencyCompassionForgiveGraceKindLeniencyPity
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