clemency

noun

clem·​en·​cy ˈkle-mən(t)-sē How to pronounce clemency (audio)
plural clemencies
Synonyms of clemencynext
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

See all Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus 
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 Dorsey's attorneys had requested clemency arguing that he'd been rehabilitated and that more than 70 former and current corrections officers were in support of commuting Dorsey's death sentence. —Sarah Al-Arshani, USA TODAY, 9 Apr. 2024 Dorsey, who had requested clemency, thanked those who tried to save his life. —Dennis Romero, NBC News, 9 Apr. 2024 Family members argued both for and against Dorsey’s clemency. —Ben Brasch, Washington Post, 8 Apr. 2024 His attorneys are seeking clemency from Gov. Mike Parson and have several appeals pending. —CBS News, 5 Apr. 2024 Late last year, after serving 13 years of a 15-years-to-life sentence, the former Bad Boy signee was among 16 individuals granted clemency by New York Governor Kathy Hochul. —Angel Diaz, Billboard, 4 Apr. 2024 Another of Creech’s appeals alleged that his due-process rights under the 14th Amendment were violated after prosecutors presented misleading information at his recent clemency hearing. —Kevin Fixler, Idaho Statesman, 26 Mar. 2024 Indeed, three of Willie Pye’s jurors are now opposed to his execution, citing factors in the inmate’s background that were not presented by what his clemency petition says was an overworked and ineffective public defender. —Dakin Andone, CNN, 20 Mar. 2024 In 2021, Kelly granted clemency — an umbrella term that includes pardons and commutations — to eight people. —Luke Nozicka, Kansas City Star, 22 Mar. 2024

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

Word History

Etymology

see clement

First Known Use

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of clemency was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near clemency

Clemenceau

clemency

Clemens

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Clemency.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/clemency. Accessed 23 Apr. 2024.

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Kids Definition

clemency

noun
clem·​en·​cy ˈklem-ən-sē How to pronounce clemency (audio)
plural clemencies
1
: disposition to be merciful
2
: an act or instance of mercy

Legal Definition

clemency

noun
clem·​en·​cy ˈkle-mən-sē How to pronounce clemency (audio)
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

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