leniency

noun

le·nien·cy ˈlē-nē-ən(t)-sē

-nyən(t)-sē

plural leniencies

Synonyms of leniency next

: the quality or state of being lenient

the leniency of the punishment

: a lenient disposition or practice

The prisoner asked the judge for leniency.

Choose the Right Synonym for leniency

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 leniency in a Sentence

the defense requested leniency in light of their client's lack of a prior criminal record

Recent Examples on the Web

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.

Scott-Dix asked for leniency, saying Porter had no criminal history and struggled with mental illness. —

Meredith Colias-Pete, Chicago Tribune, 11 Feb. 2025 His attorney, Jonathan Mills, urged the judge for leniency, WOFL reported. —

Olivia Lloyd, Miami Herald, 10 Feb. 2025 Shohei Ohtani’s ex-interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, sent a letter to Judge John W. Holcomb, asking for leniency in his sentencing and outlining the reasons for his gambling issues. —

Ryan Canfield, Fox News, 24 Jan. 2025 On Wednesday, Medina pleaded for leniency, with his lawyer Joseph Veith arguing that his client returned to his old habits of fraud on 2023 after seven years staying out of trouble because of his gambling addiction and mental illness. —

John Annese, New York Daily News, 22 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for leniency