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.
Ahead of Frost’s Monday sentencing after his guilty plea to wire fraud, a flood of family members and supporters submitted about 80 letters to the court in a bid for leniency. — Kelly Yamanouchi, AJC.com, 23 Oct. 2026 Streaming services have often turned a blind eye to account sharing during their growth periods, only to walk back the leniency once viewers are hooked. — Nick Indge, ArsTechnica, 23 Oct. 2026 Johnson did not show leniency toward Gardner, whose guilty plea enabled him to avoid a trial that likely could have resulted in testimony from his underage victims. — Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 15 Oct. 2026 Meanwhile Reitzas asked the court for leniency by pointing out her career and advocacy work. — Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 13 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 28 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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