Which word is an ANTONYM for the word mercy? wondered if I would be able to show as much mercy as the characters in the story. cruelty loneliness injustice sorrow
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The correct antonym for the word mercy is cruelty.
Explanation:
Mercy means showing compassion, forgiveness, or leniency toward someone, especially when it is within your power to punish or harm them. It involves kindness in the face of wrongdoing or hardship.
Let’s look at the choices:
- Cruelty: This is the correct antonym. Cruelty is the opposite of mercy. It involves causing pain or suffering without concern for the well-being of others. If someone lacks mercy, they might behave cruelly by punishing harshly, ignoring pleas for help, or showing no compassion.
- Loneliness: This is not related in meaning to mercy. Loneliness refers to the emotional state of feeling alone or isolated. It is not the opposite of mercy.
- Injustice: While injustice involves unfairness or lack of justice, it is not the direct opposite of mercy. Mercy and justice can actually work together. For example, someone might be just but also merciful. Injustice is more about fairness, while mercy is about compassion.
- Sorrow: This is a feeling of deep sadness or grief. It may be caused by a lack of mercy, but it is not an antonym. Sorrow is an emotional state, while mercy is a moral or ethical choice.
In the context of the sentence, the narrator is wondering whether they can show as much mercy as the characters in the story. This reflects on their ability to be kind or forgiving. The opposite of that — the refusal to forgive, or the act of being intentionally harsh — is cruelty.
Therefore, cruelty is the correct antonym because it captures the opposite behavior and attitude from mercy.
