LENIENCY Synonyms: 108 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the noun 'leniency' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of leniency are charity , clemency , grace , and mercy . While all these words mean "a disposition to show kindness or compassion," leniency implies lack of severity in punishing. // criticized the courts for excessive leniency

Q: When is 'charity' a more appropriate choice than 'leniency'?

The synonyms charity and leniency are sometimes interchangeable, but charity stresses benevolence and goodwill shown in broad understanding and tolerance of others. // show a little charity for the less fortunate

Q: When can 'clemency' be used instead of 'leniency'?

While in some cases nearly identical to leniency , clemency implies a mild or merciful disposition in one having the power or duty of punishing. // the judge refused to show clemency

Q: In what contexts can 'grace' take the place of 'leniency'?

While the synonyms grace and leniency are close in meaning, grace implies a benign attitude and a willingness to grant favors or make concessions. // by the grace of God

Q: When might 'mercy' be a better fit than 'leniency'?

The meanings of mercy and leniency largely overlap; however, mercy implies compassion that forbears punishing even when justice demands it. // threw himself on the mercy of the court

leniency

noun

ˈlē-nē-ən(t)-sē

Definition of leniency next

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

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How does the noun leniency differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of leniency are charity, clemency, grace, and mercy. While all these words mean "a disposition to show kindness or compassion," leniency implies lack of severity in punishing.

criticized the courts for excessive leniency

When is charity a more appropriate choice than leniency?

The synonyms charity and leniency are sometimes interchangeable, but charity stresses benevolence and goodwill shown in broad understanding and tolerance of others.

show a little charity for the less fortunate

When can clemency be used instead of leniency?

While in some cases nearly identical to leniency, clemency implies a mild or merciful disposition in one having the power or duty of punishing.

the judge refused to show clemency

In what contexts can grace take the place of leniency?

While the synonyms grace and leniency are close in meaning, grace implies a benign attitude and a willingness to grant favors or make concessions.

by the grace of God

When might mercy be a better fit than leniency?

The meanings of mercy and leniency largely overlap; however, mercy implies compassion that forbears punishing even when justice demands it.

threw himself on the mercy of the court

Examples of leniency in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Bell tearfully apologized in her request for leniency during the hearing. —

Scott MacFarlane, CBS News, 17 Oct. 2024 At Tuesday's sentencing, Albrecht asked the court for leniency. —

Bebe Hodges, The Enquirer, 15 Oct. 2024 And in 2002, Ethel Kennedy sent a handwritten plea for leniency for her nephew, Michael Skakel, who was sentenced to 20 years to life for the murder of a teenage girl in Greenwich almost 30 years earlier. —

Bill Hutchinson, ABC News, 10 Oct. 2024 Defendants in criminal cases who cooperate with prosecutors instead of fighting the charges, particularly in white-collar cases such as FTX, often receive leniency when they are sentenced. —

Mackenzie Sigalos,dan Mangan,dawn Giel, CNBC, 24 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for leniency

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'leniency.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.