lenience

noun

le·​nience ˈlē-nyən(t)s How to pronounce lenience (audio)
-nē-ən(t)s

Examples of lenience in a Sentence

a judge's reputation for lenience towards first-time criminals
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.
Conservative applicants also voiced concern about liberal LGBTQ laws and lenience on crime. Daniel De Visé, USA TODAY, 15 Oct. 2024 Experts say this level of lenience can lead to rebellion, risk-prone temperament, and unhealthy habits. Zara Hanawalt, Parents, 29 Sep. 2024 Caban’s lenience in the Lucas matter isn’t the first time the commissioner has let bad behavior slide. Michael Gartland, New York Daily News, 1 July 2024 Perhaps even more troubling is the lenience that the IMF and World Bank demonstrate toward democratic countries in enforcing the conditions of economic reform programs, allowing leaders to pause reforms ahead of elections to endear themselves to the public. Rebecca Liao, Foreign Affairs, 27 July 2015 See all Example Sentences for lenience 

Word History

First Known Use

1796, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of lenience was in 1796

Dictionary Entries Near lenience

Cite this Entry

“Lenience.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lenience. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

lenience

noun
le·​nience ˈlē-nyən(t)s How to pronounce lenience (audio)
-nē-ən(t)s
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!