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

Others are expected to use the directives to seek clemency from Mr. Trump or leniency in dealings with prosecutors, according to people familiar with the reactions to the changes ordered by the new administration. —Kenneth P. Vogel, New York Times, 14 Feb. 2025

But while plenty of controversial picks remain, some Democrats have expressed leniency — even excitement — to cross the aisle and vote in favor of some of them. —Erin Doherty, Axios, 24 Dec. 2024

While investigators are told not to falsely offer leniency, they are taught to present moral or psychological justifications for crimes that could work to put the subject at ease. —Anita Chabria, Los Angeles Times, 23 Dec. 2024

But no such sentence leniency should happen in the Bowers case, the Fienberg brothers wrote. —David Mark, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 22 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1753, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for leniency

• conveniency

Kids Definition

leniency

noun

le·​nien·​cy ˈlē-nē-ən-sē 

-nyən-sē

: the quality or state of being lenient