leniency

noun

le·nien·cy ˈlē-nē-ən(t)-sē

-nyən(t)-sē

plural leniencies

Synonyms of leniency next

: the quality or state of being lenient

the leniency of the punishment

: a lenient disposition or practice

The prisoner asked the judge for leniency.

Choose the Right Synonym for leniency

mercy, charity, clemency, grace, leniency mean a disposition to show kindness or compassion.

mercy implies compassion that forbears punishing even when justice demands it.

threw himself on the mercy of the court

charity stresses benevolence and goodwill shown in broad understanding and tolerance of others.

show a little charity for the less fortunate

clemency implies a mild or merciful disposition in one having the power or duty of punishing.

the judge refused to show clemency

grace implies a benign attitude and a willingness to grant favors or make concessions.

by the grace of God

leniency implies lack of severity in punishing.

criticized the courts for excessive leniency

Examples of leniency in a Sentence

the defense requested leniency in light of their client's lack of a prior criminal record

Recent Examples on the Web

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

One of New Jersey’s six state ethics commissioners wrote a letter to convicted former Sen. Bob Menendez’s judge asking for leniency. —

Ross O'Keefe, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 8 Jan. 2025 The first, and more controversial, was through interpretative leniency. —

Jeannie Suk Gersen, The New Yorker, 2 Dec. 2024 That raises another question: Should elected officials use their position — and even their government stationery — to seek leniency for a friend? —

M.l. Elrick, USA TODAY, 29 Nov. 2024 Trump’s leniency toward TikTok has left some Republicans questioning whether his priorities align with national security concerns. —

Kaelan Deese, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 29 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for leniency