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"Relentlessly" vs. "mercilessly": two sides of pursuit

Reviewed and edited by

Lloyd Cooper 01/10/2024, 20:42

English.me team member

Relentlessly and mercilessly. What's the difference?

What is similar?

Both adverbs convey a sense of persistence and a lack of stopping or giving up.

What is different?

Relentlessly implies persistence regardless of obstacles, while mercilessly adds a sense of brutality or lack of compassion.

Which one is more common?

Internet search results for relentlessly) and mercilessly

Examples of usage

Relentlessly

She worked relentlessly to reach her goals.
The rain fell relentlessly for hours.

Mercilessly

The army attacked mercilessly, leaving no survivors.
He was criticized mercilessly by his opponents.