LENIENCY Synonyms: 108 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the noun 'leniency' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of leniency are charity , clemency , grace , and mercy . While all these words mean "a disposition to show kindness or compassion," leniency implies lack of severity in punishing. // criticized the courts for excessive leniency

Q: When is 'charity' a more appropriate choice than 'leniency'?

The synonyms charity and leniency are sometimes interchangeable, but charity stresses benevolence and goodwill shown in broad understanding and tolerance of others. // show a little charity for the less fortunate

Q: When can 'clemency' be used instead of 'leniency'?

While in some cases nearly identical to leniency , clemency implies a mild or merciful disposition in one having the power or duty of punishing. // the judge refused to show clemency

Q: In what contexts can 'grace' take the place of 'leniency'?

While the synonyms grace and leniency are close in meaning, grace implies a benign attitude and a willingness to grant favors or make concessions. // by the grace of God

Q: When might 'mercy' be a better fit than 'leniency'?

The meanings of mercy and leniency largely overlap; however, mercy implies compassion that forbears punishing even when justice demands it. // threw himself on the mercy of the court

leniency

noun

ˈlē-nē-ən(t)-sē

Definition of leniency next

as in mercy

kind, gentle, or compassionate treatment especially towards someone who is undeserving of it the defense requested leniency in light of their client's lack of a prior criminal record

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How does the noun leniency differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of leniency are charity, clemency, grace, and mercy. While all these words mean "a disposition to show kindness or compassion," leniency implies lack of severity in punishing.

criticized the courts for excessive leniency

When is charity a more appropriate choice than leniency?

The synonyms charity and leniency are sometimes interchangeable, but charity stresses benevolence and goodwill shown in broad understanding and tolerance of others.

show a little charity for the less fortunate

When can clemency be used instead of leniency?

While in some cases nearly identical to leniency, clemency implies a mild or merciful disposition in one having the power or duty of punishing.

the judge refused to show clemency

In what contexts can grace take the place of leniency?

While the synonyms grace and leniency are close in meaning, grace implies a benign attitude and a willingness to grant favors or make concessions.

by the grace of God

When might mercy be a better fit than leniency?

The meanings of mercy and leniency largely overlap; however, 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 leniency In September 2021, Blinken’s refusal to waive those requirements—which caused $130 million in military aid to be withheld—was seen as a potential indication of its seriousness about human rights and its intention to break with the Trump administration’s leniency. —

Michael Wahid Hanna, Foreign Affairs, 26 Nov. 2024 One of New Jersey’s six state ethics commissioners wrote a letter to convicted former Sen. Bob Menendez’s judge asking for leniency. —

Ross O'Keefe, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 8 Jan. 2025 The first, and more controversial, was through interpretative leniency. —

Jeannie Suk Gersen, The New Yorker, 2 Dec. 2024 That raises another question: Should elected officials use their position — and even their government stationery — to seek leniency for a friend? —

M.l. Elrick, USA TODAY, 29 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for leniency