clemency

noun

clem·​en·​cy ˈkle-mən(t)-sē 

plural clemencies

1

a

: disposition to be merciful and especially to moderate the severity of punishment due

The judge ignored the prisoner's pleas for clemency.

b

: an act or instance of leniency

The governor's clemencies saved the lives of many death-row prisoners.

2

: pleasant mildness of weather

The fair was a great success, owing to the clemency of the weather.

Synonyms

• charity
• forbearance
• lenience
• leniency
• lenity
• mercifulness
• mercy
• quarter

Choose the Right Synonym for clemency

mercy, charity, clemency, grace, leniency mean a disposition to show kindness or compassion.

mercy implies compassion that forbears punishing even when justice demands it.

threw himself on the mercy of the court

charity stresses benevolence and goodwill shown in broad understanding and tolerance of others.

show a little charity for the less fortunate

clemency implies a mild or merciful disposition in one having the power or duty of punishing.

the judge refused to show clemency

grace implies a benign attitude and a willingness to grant favors or make concessions.

by the grace of God

leniency implies lack of severity in punishing.

criticized the courts for excessive leniency

Examples of clemency in a Sentence

The President has granted clemency to several people this month.

the judge chose to show clemency to the truly repentant embezzler

Recent Examples on the Web

The Menendez defense team is now pursuing an alternate path in the form of a clemency request to Gov. Gavin Newsom. —Gene Maddaus, Variety, 30 Oct. 2024

But Governor Greg Abbott on Monday questioned their authority, saying only his office could grant clemency. —Taylor Wilson, USA TODAY, 22 Oct. 2024

The subpoena came on the heels of a recommendation by the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles earlier in the day denying Roberson's request for clemency, effectively preventing Gov. Greg Abbott from granting clemency without the court's intervention. —Emily Mae Czachor, CBS News, 21 Oct. 2024

Gascón supported the Menendez brothers’ bid for clemency after nearly 35 years behind bars. —Christian Orozco, Los Angeles Times, 2 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

see clement

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

clemency

noun

clem·​en·​cy ˈklem-ən-sē 

plural clemencies

1

: disposition to be merciful

2

: an act or instance of mercy

Legal Definition

clemency

noun

clem·​en·​cy ˈkle-mən-sē 

plural clemencies

1

: willingness or ability to moderate the severity of a punishment (as a sentence)

2

: an act or instance of mercy, compassion, or forgiveness see also amnesty, commute, pardon, reprieve