Mercy strokes are a term used in the game of golf, which refers to an extra shot given to a player who is struggling to finish a hole. The purpose is to provide some relief to a player who is having difficulty and to help them improve their score. However, there are several synonyms that can be used for mercy strokes, such as mulligan, do-over, bonus shot, extra chance, or free shot. These terms all refer to an extra opportunity to improve one's game and reduce the overall score. Ultimately, the use of these synonyms indicates sportsmanship and kindness towards other players.