CLEMENCY Synonyms: 108 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

clemency

noun

ˈkle-mən(t)-sē

Definition of clemency next

as in mercy

kind, gentle, or compassionate treatment especially towards someone who is undeserving of it the judge chose to show clemency to the truly repentant embezzler

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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 Meanwhile, lawmakers on the committee accuse Maxwell of attempting to buy her clemency by refusing to testify. —

Alexandra Banner, CNN Money, 10 Feb. 2026 Why is Ghislaine Maxwell asking for clemency? —

Marley Malenfant, Austin American Statesman, 10 Feb. 2026 Trump has not ruled out granting Maxwell clemency, but Republican pushback to that notion quickly rose after Maxwell made the appeal. —

Stephen Groves, Los Angeles Times, 9 Feb. 2026 Jurors express doubts Six of the eight living jurors from the 1992 trial do not object to commutation, according to the clemency petition. —

CBS News, 6 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for clemency

Recent Examples of Synonyms for clemency

Noun

The word itself is defined as mercy or leniency.

— Marley Malenfant, Austin American Statesman, 10 Feb. 2026
After all, Jesus had just finished praising gentleness, mercy, and peace.

— Emily Chamlee-Wright, Washington Post, 6 Feb. 2026

Definition of mercy

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clefts

clemency

clement

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“Clemency.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clemency. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.

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Last Updated: 14 Feb 2026 - Updated example sentences

Synonyms of clemency

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