leniency

noun

le·​nien·​cy ˈlē-nē-ən(t)-sē 

-nyən(t)-sē

plural leniencies

1

: the quality or state of being lenient

the leniency of the punishment

2

: a lenient disposition or practice

The prisoner asked the judge for leniency.

Synonyms

• charity
• clemency
• forbearance
• lenience
• lenity
• mercifulness
• mercy
• quarter

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

Johnston asked for leniency Since his involvement in the U.S. Capitol Insurrection in 2021, Johnston has been unable to find work as an actor, according to the sentencing memorandum submitted to the court by his attorney and acquired by USA TODAY. —Julia Gomez, USA TODAY, 29 Oct. 2024

Defense lawyer Adam Lipson had pleaded for leniency, arguing that his client fell into a rabbit hole of conspiracies after having led a crime-free life. —David K. Li, NBC News, 29 Oct. 2024

Family and friends sent letters to the federal judge in early October, asking for leniency in his sentencing, which is scheduled for February. —Sandra McDonald, Los Angeles Times, 24 Oct. 2024

The new president, Bernardo Arévalo, was among those who'd been asking the courts to grant Zamora leniency given the irregularities of the 2023 trial, and a court finally ordered his release to house arrest this weekend and a retrial next year. —Russell Contreras, Axios, 22 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1753, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Kids Definition

leniency

noun

le·​nien·​cy ˈlē-nē-ən-sē 

-nyən-sē

: the quality or state of being lenient