leniency

noun

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

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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.
The Lahis case nevertheless established an early precedent for leniency toward an Israeli soldier convicted of murdering Arab civilians. — Tamir Sorek, The Conversation, 12 Oct. 2026 The attorney argued that Roberts’ personal history and medical problems warranted leniency. — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 8 Oct. 2026 Sessions, in a letter seeking leniency that was read into the record by his chief of staff, said his former congressional colleague devoted decades to public service, much of it focused on defending liberty and democracy. — Joshua Goodman, Los Angeles Times, 2 Oct. 2026 The Cornell administration that gave leniency to these boys are at best sympathizers who valued those boys’ lives over Jane Doe’s. — Marcus Jones, IndieWire, 2 Oct. 2026 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 14 Oct. 2026.

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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
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