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
During Trump’s first term in the White House, the Republican issued a directive to ban transgender service members, with an exception for some of those who had already started transitioning under more lenient rules that were in effect during Obama’s Democratic administration.
—
Mark Sherman, Chicago Tribune, 6 May 2025
Back on the House side, another leading voice pushing for a more lenient approach, Rep. Anthony Garbarino (R-N.Y.) ultimately did not vote.
—Rachel Frazin, The Hill, 23 May 2025
The Delaware County District Attorney's Office acknowledged the fact that the trauma those two young girls endured is part of the reason Garnier was able to make a deal which helped secure him a far more lenient sentence.
—Chris Spargo, People.com, 20 May 2025
While some state courts have adopted more lenient policies—permitting audio and video recording under certain guidelines—federal courts remain more restrictive.
—Kate Nalepinski, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for lenient
Mark Sherman, Chicago Tribune, 6 May 2025
Back on the House side, another leading voice pushing for a more lenient approach, Rep. Anthony Garbarino (R-N.Y.) ultimately did not vote.
—Rachel Frazin, The Hill, 23 May 2025
The Delaware County District Attorney's Office acknowledged the fact that the trauma those two young girls endured is part of the reason Garnier was able to make a deal which helped secure him a far more lenient sentence.
—Chris Spargo, People.com, 20 May 2025
While some state courts have adopted more lenient policies—permitting audio and video recording under certain guidelines—federal courts remain more restrictive.
—Kate Nalepinski, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for lenient
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lenient
Adjective
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The Supreme Court appeared sympathetic to the parents during oral arguments in March and seemed inclined to require that public schools give parents the ability to opt their children out of instruction featuring the books.—
Melissa Quinn
June 9,
CBS News,
9 June 2025
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Two years ago, a tragedy caught the world’s attention … but not in a particularly sympathetic way.—
Dennis Harvey,
Variety,
7 June 2025
Adjective
-
Seek out people who are compassionate and who have your back.—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
5 June 2025
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That’s why taking a holistic, compassionate approach to dealing with these issues is crucial.—
Wendy Wisner,
Parents,
4 June 2025
Adjective
-
The family friendly festival from noon to 6:30 p.m. will feature bands performing Americana, rock, hip hop, blues and folk.—
Regina Elling,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
4 June 2025
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During public remarks in 2022, Justice Elena Kagan – one of the court’s three liberal justices − spoke out against sweeping injunctions and the ability of challengers to find one friendly judge to issue such an order.—
Maureen Groppe,
USA Today,
12 May 2025
Adjective
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If 10 percent of people are going to be cruel no matter what and 10 percent will be merciful no matter what, then the greatest battle of our lives, the real one, is not good versus evil.—
Stephanie Dillon,
Rolling Stone,
23 May 2025
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The Celtics met a merciful end at Madison Square Garden last night, 119-81, and now have a lot to figure out: Tatum will miss a consequential period in his career.—
Sam Settleman,
New York Times,
17 May 2025
Adjective
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When these brands inevitably return waving rainbow flags, that $1.4 trillion market won't be as forgiving.—
Gillian Oakenfull,
Forbes.com,
5 June 2025
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Analysts and shareholders might have been more forgiving with a $2 billion tuck-in than a big headline swing.—
Bloomberg,
Mercury News,
4 June 2025
Adjective
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Comedy is also having a moment because of people are looking for a pleasant escape given the political nightmare currently gripping this nation.—
Michael Schneider,
Variety,
9 June 2025
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This modern adaptation of a traditional country farmhouse features a welcoming front porch, which has ample room for two or three people to sit and relax on a pleasant day.—
James Alexander,
Hartford Courant,
8 June 2025
Adjective
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To be patient but not to be greedy, Lilian thought now, studying Maureen’s pale eyelids.—
Yiyun Li,
New Yorker,
15 June 2025
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That arguably gives the FOMC the opportunity to be patient.—
Simon Moore,
Forbes.com,
15 June 2025
Adjective
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What soon follows is a gradual, gentle introduction to a wide ensemble of characters with torrid histories — which is to say, falling-outs over drag show disagreements — as zombie mayhem slowly creeps in through the corners of the frame.—
Siddhant Adlakha,
Variety,
10 June 2025
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The finish is medium-length, clean, and refreshing with a lingering gentle warmth and a smooth aftertaste.—
Joseph V Micallef,
Forbes.com,
10 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Lenient.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lenient. Accessed 18 Jun. 2025.
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