leniency
noun
le·nien·cy
ˈlē-nē-ən(t)-sē 
-nyən(t)-sē
plural leniencies
1
: the quality or state of being lenient
the leniency of the punishment
2
: a lenient disposition or practice
The prisoner asked the judge for leniency.
Synonyms
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
On Thursday, Todd’s attorneys filed notes of support from friends and relatives asking the judge for leniency.
—
Judy L. Thomas, Kansas City Star, 1 June 2024
In 2021, then-Gov. Kate Brown commuted his 2018 sentence on drug and weapons charges as part of a program offering leniency for prisoners who volunteered to fight wildfires.
—Michael Ruiz, Fox News, 21 May 2024
After turning himself in to federal investigators, Mr. Boesky, in an appeal for leniency, agreed to become a government informant, wearing a wire when meeting with Mr. Milken — who was an even bigger target of federal prosecutors.
—Leslie Wayne, New York Times, 20 May 2024
The dual system of justice encourages Black people to murder within their own racial community expecting leniency.
—Armstrong Williams, Baltimore Sun, 5 Mar. 2024
See all Example Sentences for leniency 
Judy L. Thomas, Kansas City Star, 1 June 2024
In 2021, then-Gov. Kate Brown commuted his 2018 sentence on drug and weapons charges as part of a program offering leniency for prisoners who volunteered to fight wildfires.
—Michael Ruiz, Fox News, 21 May 2024
After turning himself in to federal investigators, Mr. Boesky, in an appeal for leniency, agreed to become a government informant, wearing a wire when meeting with Mr. Milken — who was an even bigger target of federal prosecutors.
—Leslie Wayne, New York Times, 20 May 2024
The dual system of justice encourages Black people to murder within their own racial community expecting leniency.
—Armstrong Williams, Baltimore Sun, 5 Mar. 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.
Articles Related to leniency
Dictionary Entries Near leniency
Cite this Entry
“Leniency.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/leniency. Accessed 6 Jun. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
leniency
noun
le·nien·cy
ˈlē-nē-ən-sē
-nyən-sē
: the quality or state of being lenient
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share