leniency

noun

le·​nien·​cy ˈlē-nē-ən(t)-sē How to pronounce leniency (audio)
-nyən(t)-sē
plural leniencies
Synonyms of leniencynext
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

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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.
In a sentencing memorandum filed with the court, Minks asked for leniency, citing a difficult childhood and a history of relationships with abusive men. — Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 5 Aug. 2025 While Ong, 79, could be jailed for up to seven years and fined, or be given both, for the offences, his lawyer asked the judge for leniency given the tycoon’s medical condition. — Jonathan Burgos, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2025 In the House, a contingent of moderate members were also pushing for leniency on the tax credits, but most of them still lined up to vote for the bill’s more dramatic cuts. — Rachel Frazin, The Hill, 19 June 2025 This comes after Hankison's defense team filed a sentencing memorandum urging the judge for leniency, citing various factors. — Tesfaye Negussie, ABC News, 17 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for leniency

Word History

First Known Use

1753, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of leniency was in 1753

Rhymes for leniency

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Browse Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

“Leniency.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/leniency. Accessed 13 Aug. 2025.

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Kids Definition

leniency

noun
le·​nien·​cy ˈlē-nē-ən-sē How to pronounce leniency (audio)
-nyən-sē
: the quality or state of being lenient

More from Merriam-Webster on leniency

Nglish: Translation of leniency for Spanish Speakers

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