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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Others are expected to use the directives to seek clemency from Mr. Trump or leniency in dealings with prosecutors, according to people familiar with the reactions to the changes ordered by the new administration.
—
Kenneth P. Vogel, New York Times, 14 Feb. 2025
But while plenty of controversial picks remain, some Democrats have expressed leniency — even excitement — to cross the aisle and vote in favor of some of them.
—Erin Doherty, Axios, 24 Dec. 2024
While investigators are told not to falsely offer leniency, they are taught to present moral or psychological justifications for crimes that could work to put the subject at ease.
—Anita Chabria, Los Angeles Times, 23 Dec. 2024
But no such sentence leniency should happen in the Bowers case, the Fienberg brothers wrote.
—David Mark, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 22 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for leniency
Kenneth P. Vogel, New York Times, 14 Feb. 2025
But while plenty of controversial picks remain, some Democrats have expressed leniency — even excitement — to cross the aisle and vote in favor of some of them.
—Erin Doherty, Axios, 24 Dec. 2024
While investigators are told not to falsely offer leniency, they are taught to present moral or psychological justifications for crimes that could work to put the subject at ease.
—Anita Chabria, Los Angeles Times, 23 Dec. 2024
But no such sentence leniency should happen in the Bowers case, the Fienberg brothers wrote.
—David Mark, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 22 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for leniency
Articles Related to leniency
Cite this Entry
“Leniency.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/leniency. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share