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 Kim Kardashian on Thursday joined Vice President Kamala Harris and four prisoners recently granted clemency by President Joe Biden at the White House as part of Kardashian’s long-standing criminal justice reform effort. —Emma Hinchliffe, Fortune, 26 Apr. 2024 The event comes the day after President Biden used his clemency authority to pardon 11 people who were convicted of non-violent drug offenses and commute the sentences of five others. —Deepa Shivaram, NPR, 25 Apr. 2024 See all Example Sentences for clemency 

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 3 May. 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

More from Merriam-Webster on clemency

Nglish: Translation of clemency for Spanish Speakers

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