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

Example 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 The president has also been unpredictable in doling out clemency, largely avoiding the formal process of going through the Office of the U.S. Pardon Attorney. Jason Meisner, Chicago Tribune, 10 June 2025 Already during the early months of his second term, Trump has granted clemency to at least eight individuals convicted on federal drug charges. Brian Mann, NPR, 31 May 2025 Crawford rebuffed calls from Pope John Paul II for clemency. Meredith Colias-Pete, Chicago Tribune, 6 June 2025 Trump during his first term used clemency powers on political allies such as Paul Manafort, Steve Bannon, Roger Stone and Michael Flynn. Brett Samuels, The Hill, 3 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for clemency
Recent Examples of Synonyms for clemency
Noun
  • Grapes are the primary ingredient in winemaking and the choice of yeast can be equally important, but until somewhat recently in wine’s 8,000-year history winemakers were completely at the mercy of the elements including the type of yeast that was already on their grapes and in their winery.
    Mike DeSimone, Robb Report, 17 June 2025
  • Although the firm has profited immensely as a traditional asset manager and has become an industry leader for ETFs, the division's revenue streams are still at the mercy of the stock market's volatility.
    Morgan Chittum, CNBC, 10 June 2025
Noun
  • While some investors are willing to lend him some leniency on timing and the exact details, many want concrete signs of progress.
    Bloomberg, Oc Register, 13 June 2025
  • The leniency has led to notable controversies in the past, which the TV Academy had no real issue correcting.
    Clayton Davis, Variety, 28 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Clemency.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clemency. Accessed 28 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on clemency

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