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.
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
The word itself is defined as mercy or leniency.
—
Marley Malenfant, Austin American Statesman, 10 Feb. 2026
Carter’s leniency was met with a Republican backlash.
—Alexander Nazaryan, New Yorker, 10 Feb. 2026
BusPatrol told auditors the initial delay in shifting violations to citations — which can mean license suspensions if unpaid — was part of an effort to show some leniency as people got used to the new camera enforcement.
—Douglas Hanks, Miami Herald, 4 Feb. 2026
Stanley's legal team asked the judge for leniency, noting his difficult childhood with a mother addicted to drugs and a father in prison.
—Mike Hellgren, CBS News, 3 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for leniency
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Marley Malenfant, Austin American Statesman, 10 Feb. 2026
Carter’s leniency was met with a Republican backlash.
—Alexander Nazaryan, New Yorker, 10 Feb. 2026
BusPatrol told auditors the initial delay in shifting violations to citations — which can mean license suspensions if unpaid — was part of an effort to show some leniency as people got used to the new camera enforcement.
—Douglas Hanks, Miami Herald, 4 Feb. 2026
Stanley's legal team asked the judge for leniency, noting his difficult childhood with a mother addicted to drugs and a father in prison.
—Mike Hellgren, CBS News, 3 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for leniency
Cite this Entry
“Leniency.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/leniency. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
leniency
noun
le·nien·cy
ˈlē-nē-ən-sē
-nyən-sē
: the quality or state of being lenient
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