as in sympathetic
allowing a lot of freedom and not punishing bad behavior in a strong way
a teacher who is lenient with students who have misbehaved The public was outraged by the lenient sentence the corrupt banker received.
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Recent Examples of lenient
For gardeners who have been slightly more lenient in their control efforts, this means that populations already present are now likely to become significantly more substantial, with a core breeding population already large to begin with.
—
Anthony Reardon,
Kansas City Star,
20 June 2026
But the lenient touch toward one of the game’s worst violations reflects a problem that’s only continuing to grow in the broader sports world.
—
Jemele Hill,
The Atlantic,
19 June 2026
Yet that’s a bit more lenient than the American EPA test cycle.
—
Tim Stevens,
Robb Report,
19 June 2026
Even the most lenient parents often set boundaries on what their children watch.
—
Parents,
16 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for lenient
Anthony Reardon,
Kansas City Star,
20 June 2026
But the lenient touch toward one of the game’s worst violations reflects a problem that’s only continuing to grow in the broader sports world.
—
Jemele Hill,
The Atlantic,
19 June 2026
Yet that’s a bit more lenient than the American EPA test cycle.
—
Tim Stevens,
Robb Report,
19 June 2026
Even the most lenient parents often set boundaries on what their children watch.
—
Parents,
16 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for lenient
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lenient
Adjective
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The most remarkable performance in the film, however, may be that of real-life counselor Annette Deao, whose firm hand and sympathetic guidance lend Union County its stoic nature.
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Ever since Hayden Herrera published her landmark biography of Frida in 1983, Kahlo has been perceived as a sympathetic figure.
Adjective
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Weeks’ mother described her daughter as passionate about music and justice, witty and compassionate.
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Such a bond occurs when a judge grants a compassionate release for inmates who are in failing health and no longer a threat to the community.
Adjective
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Prior to the game, both players said Sutter Health Park had lived up to its reputation as a hitter-friendly ballpark.
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Alarmed by an avalanche of high-density development projects prompted by a developer-friendly state law, Miami commissioners have ordered the city attorney to look into challenging the controversial legislation.
Adjective
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Just when a dreadful day was approaching a merciful end, the chants from the remaining crowd at Citi Field poked fun at the New York Mets’ mess in a way boos cannot match with ridicule.
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That painful night in Dallas now feels merciful, compared with what this Avs team just experienced.
Adjective
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In just over half those states, the more forgiving deadlines apply only to ballots cast by military and overseas voters.
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The World Cup’s new, forgiving format allows the top eight of the 12 third-place teams, like third-place South Korea (1-0-2), to move on to knockout play with as few as three points.
Adjective
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Despite the minimalism and lack of physical controls, the EX30 interior isn’t a bad place to be—Volvo’s interior designers tend to understand the assignment well, and the textures and materials are pleasant to the touch.
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This was a pleasant surprise given the significant worldwide controversy surrounding Huawei’s dominance in constructing 4G infrastructure.
Adjective
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These rules aim to put patient interests ahead of profit motives.
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Success will depend less on constructing facilities than on securing long-term buyers, trusted regulators, technology transfer, and patient capital that can sustain long-term production.
Adjective
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The luxurious washes and soaps are gentle on skin for a clean, nourished feeling.
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Everywhere, in big cities and small towns, there’s an increase in the adultification of children, even the well-off ones, even the ones raised by gentle parents, even the ones with skate and surf camps, guitar lessons, and college funds.
Cite this Entry
“Lenient.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lenient. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.
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