as in sympathetic
allowing a lot of freedom and not punishing bad behavior in a strong way
a teacher who is lenient with students who have misbehaved The public was outraged by the lenient sentence the corrupt banker received.
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Recent Examples of lenient
Many thousands more have sought out procedural abortions in states with more lenient rules, and that number may soon begin to rise more steeply.
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Kristen V. Brown, The Atlantic, 3 Dec. 2024
But even some Democrats acknowledged that rising public concerns about crime and antisocial behavior provide a backdrop to the case that may contribute to more lenient views of Penny’s actions.
—Niall Stanage, The Hill, 3 Dec. 2024
Investors are betting that the Trump administration’s focus on deregulation could translate into a more lenient approach to bank oversight versus the Biden administration.
—Trefis Team, Forbes, 19 Dec. 2024
Similarly, Open Society Foundations funds efforts in the U.S. to reduce incarceration rates, boost equity initiatives and establish lenient drug use laws.
—Patrick Hauf, Baltimore Sun, 11 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for lenient 
Kristen V. Brown, The Atlantic, 3 Dec. 2024
But even some Democrats acknowledged that rising public concerns about crime and antisocial behavior provide a backdrop to the case that may contribute to more lenient views of Penny’s actions.
—Niall Stanage, The Hill, 3 Dec. 2024
Investors are betting that the Trump administration’s focus on deregulation could translate into a more lenient approach to bank oversight versus the Biden administration.
—Trefis Team, Forbes, 19 Dec. 2024
Similarly, Open Society Foundations funds efforts in the U.S. to reduce incarceration rates, boost equity initiatives and establish lenient drug use laws.
—Patrick Hauf, Baltimore Sun, 11 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for lenient
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lenient
Adjective
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The group embarked on an unprecedented wave of terror that included assaults, lynchings, and rapes predominantly against African Americans, but also against white people accused of being sympathetic to the 1870 election results and federal Reconstruction policies.Brittany Friedman / Made by History, TIME, 6 Jan. 2025
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The next judge, Hollis will find, won’t be as sympathetic.Carol Marbin Miller, Miami Herald, 2 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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This guiding principle has been instrumental in shaping the firm’s success and its reputation for compassionate advocacy.William Jones, USA TODAY, 16 Jan. 2025
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Being compassionate with yourself will give you more answers.Gillian Mohney, Verywell Health, 15 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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However, some breeds tend to be friendlier to felines than others.Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 10 Jan. 2025
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When the Bushes entered the aisle, walking right past the Trumps, George gave Barack a friendly tap on the belly with his knuckles and kept on moving toward his seat.Bailey Richards, People.com, 9 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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The miserable 2024-25 New York Giants season came to a merciful end with a 20-13 loss to the division rival Philadelphia Eagles.Charlotte Carroll, The Athletic, 5 Jan. 2025
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That, however, was the merciful end to the Flyers’ comeback bid as the B’s somehow survived the onslaught for the win.Steve Conroy, Boston Herald, 16 Mar. 2024
Adjective
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The audience was friendly and forgiving of the occasional faltering riff, if not laughing their heads off.Dan Shanoff, The Athletic, 4 Jan. 2025
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Over the years, those numbers have come down, meaning customers aren’t as forgiving as in prior years.Shep Hyken, Forbes, 29 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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The restaurant is decidedly small, a pleasant change of scenery for Charlotte, where large, echoey restaurants have become so commonplace.Samantha Husted, Charlotte Observer, 16 Jan. 2025
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There weren’t historical castles, pleasant hills, or the familiar scenes of chanting fans and players warming up around him.Henry Flynn, Forbes, 16 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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Credit to Mobley for being such a mature player, able to be patient with his role so the Cavaliers could evolve.Eric Koreen, The Athletic, 10 Jan. 2025
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What still isn’t known Our research does not clarify whether the changes in dispensing patterns led to measurable changes in patient outcomes.Ashley Bradford, The Conversation, 10 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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Not too soft without being harsh on the skin, these deliver gentle exfoliation while helping rinse away your cleanser.Kiana Murden, Vogue, 6 Jan. 2025
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Switzerland continues its renowned legacy by offering skiers majestic mountain ranges, perfect for experts but gentle slopes can be found for all levels of skiers.Roger Sands, Forbes, 4 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near lenient
Cite this Entry
“Lenient.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lenient. Accessed 20 Jan. 2025.
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