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 Robinson’s request for clemency was one of several attempts to overturn his death sentence over the years. —

Alexa Newsom, Kansas City Star, 18 June 2026 Trump has granted clemency to numerous defendants convicted of financial crimes, including a man sentenced to 50 years in prison for orchestrating a more than $200 million Medicare fraud scheme. —

Alanna Durkin Richer, Los Angeles Times, 9 June 2026 Bankman-Fried’s clemency bid comes amid a wave of pardons that Trump has doled out to not only high-profile crypto figures—among them Binance founder Changpeng Zhao and Silk Road creator Ross Ulbricht—but also other white-collar criminals. —

Camila Grigera Naon, Fortune, 9 June 2026 The records also say Bankman-Fried filed his clemency case application in 2026, though not exactly when. —

Michael Loria, USA Today, 8 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for clemency

Recent Examples of Synonyms for clemency

Noun

Yet the greater influence, Campo believes, on America’s self-governing sense of law, justice and mercy is found at the Museum of the Bible, where the famous portrait of General Washington in prayer headlines the museum’s exhibit.

— Lauren Green, FOXNews.com, 2 July 2026
Any excuse to drop the laptop, leave the city, turn the phone over, or pretend for seventy-two hours that the inbox has lost its jurisdiction is taken as a minor national mercy.

— Alexander Puutio, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026

Definition of mercy

Noun

Part of the proposals would see Ofwat showing greater leniency towards Thames, whose performance has incurred the regulator's wrath on numerous occasions.

— Ian King, CNBC, 1 July 2026
Keanu Reeves came to Rinsch’s defense last month, asking the judge for leniency in the case.

— Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 30 June 2026

Definition of leniency

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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 5 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of clemency

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