clemency

noun

clem·​en·​cy ˈkle-mən(t)-sē 

plural clemencies

1

a

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

The judge ignored the prisoner's pleas for clemency.

b

: an act or instance of leniency

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

2

: pleasant mildness of weather

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

Synonyms of clemency

• mercy
• mercifulness
• leniency

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

Granting clemency comes with political risk, and multiple former pardon attorneys have said the Department of Justice process for reviewing and recommending cases is dysfunctional. —Kinsey Crowley, USA Today, 29 Jan. 2026

Calvin’s commentary emphasized clemency not only as a rational posture for a sovereign to adopt, but as a heroic virtue that is the essence of our common humanity. —Bernadette Meyler, Harpers Magazine, 27 Jan. 2026

Holmes’s potential commutation would follow the trend of the president’s recent clemency toward those convicted of white-collar crimes. —Jacqueline Munis, Fortune, 23 Jan. 2026

The White House is sifting through thousands of clemency requests, including a pardon bid by Archegos Capital Management founder Bill Hwang, who was convicted over the collapse of his $36 billion family office. —Bloomberg, Mercury News, 22 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

see clement

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for clemency

• inclemency

Kids Definition

clemency

noun

clem·​en·​cy ˈklem-ən-sē 

plural clemencies

1

: disposition to be merciful

2

: an act or instance of mercy

Legal Definition

clemency

noun

clem·​en·​cy ˈkle-mən-sē 

plural clemencies

1

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

2

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