Synonym Chooser

How does the noun clemency differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of clemency are charity, grace, leniency, and mercy. While all these words mean "a disposition to show kindness or compassion," clemency implies a mild or merciful disposition in one having the power or duty of punishing.

the judge refused to show clemency

When would charity be a good substitute for clemency?

While the synonyms charity and clemency are close in meaning, charity stresses benevolence and goodwill shown in broad understanding and tolerance of others.

show a little charity for the less fortunate

In what contexts can grace take the place of clemency?

The synonyms grace and clemency are sometimes interchangeable, but grace implies a benign attitude and a willingness to grant favors or make concessions.

by the grace of God

When is it sensible to use leniency instead of clemency?

Although the words leniency and clemency have much in common, leniency implies lack of severity in punishing.

criticized the courts for excessive leniency

When is mercy a more appropriate choice than clemency?

While in some cases nearly identical to clemency, mercy implies compassion that forbears punishing even when justice demands it.

threw himself on the mercy of the court

Examples Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of clemency Death row inmates can also ask Gov. Henry McMaster, a Republican, for clemency, but no governor in the state has ever reduced a death sentence to life in prison without parole in the modern era of the death penalty. Landon Mion, Fox News, 5 Jan. 2025 President-elect Trump vowed Tuesday to direct his Department of Justice (DOJ) to pursue the death penalty in the wake of President Biden’s clemencies of nearly every federal death row inmate. Filip Timotija, The Hill, 24 Dec. 2024 The decision, although expected, was notable: This year is the first since 2016 without any state granting clemency to an individual sentenced to death, according to the nonprofit Death Penalty Information Center. Erik Ortiz, NBC News, 19 Dec. 2024 Related:Biden grants clemency to Indiana nursing home CEO who led $19 million fraud scheme Anthony Burnett: Charged with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Hayleigh Colombo, The Indianapolis Star, 17 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for clemency 

Thesaurus Entries Near clemency

Cite this Entry

“Clemency.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clemency. Accessed 17 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on clemency

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