clemency

noun

clem·en·cy ˈkle-mən(t)-sē

plural clemencies

Synonyms of clemency

: disposition to be merciful and especially to moderate the severity of punishment due

The judge ignored the prisoner's pleas for clemency.

: an act or instance of leniency

The governor's clemencies saved the lives of many death-row prisoners.

: pleasant mildness of weather

The fair was a great success, owing to the clemency of the weather.

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

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.

Days before the execution attempt, Lee rejected the clemency request. — David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 13 Oct. 2026 Saab was extradited from Cape Verde to Miami in October 2021, but President Joe Biden granted him clemency in December 2023 as part of a prisoner exchange that secured the release of Americans held in Venezuela. — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 12 Oct. 2026 Without a grant of clemency from the White House, Rifkin says their second chance could be snatched away. — ABC News, 11 Oct. 2026 According to an attorney’s clemency request, he’s been repeatedly beaten and raped during his 50 years in prison. — Thomas Lake, AJC.com, 7 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for clemency

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

See more words from the same century

Browse Nearby Words

Clemenceau

clemency

Clemens

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Articles Related to clemency

Cite this Entry

Style

“Clemency.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/clemency. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

clemency

noun

clem·en·cy ˈklem-ən-sē

plural clemencies

: disposition to be merciful

: an act or instance of mercy

Legal Definition

clemency

noun

clem·en·cy ˈkle-mən-sē

plural clemencies

: willingness or ability to moderate the severity of a punishment (as a sentence)

: an act or instance of mercy, compassion, or forgiveness see also amnesty, commute, pardon, reprieve

clemency

noun

Synonyms of clemency

Examples of clemency in a Sentence

Word History

Browse Nearby Words

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