lenience

noun

le·​nience ˈlē-nyən(t)s How to pronounce lenience (audio)
-nē-ən(t)s

Examples of lenience in a Sentence

a judge's reputation for lenience towards first-time criminals
Recent Examples on the Web Anger at the jury’s lenience swept through San Francisco, especially its gay community. Cathleen Decker, Los Angeles Times, 29 Sep. 2023 But other than a legitimate and insurmountable accessibility issue, Swanson says GitHub has no plans for lenience. WIRED, 11 Aug. 2023 Amid Tucker Carlson’s campaign to whitewash the violent January 6 riots, Collins, who seems to be a benefactor of lenience from the criminal justice system, has also demanded the release of January 6 attackers. Prem Thakker, The New Republic, 8 Mar. 2023 Any lenience by the White House toward Maduro, even if it’s driven by a desire to crack down on Putin, could undercut Biden’s messaging about the existential threat that autocracies present to democracies. Los Angeles Times, 7 Mar. 2022 Musk may defend his lenience toward hatefulness as a victory for free speech, but the question is: Free speech for whom? Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 14 Dec. 2022 But Jones’ lawyers said their client has already learned his lesson, and asked for lenience. Jim Vertuno, Hartford Courant, 5 Aug. 2022 But Jones' lawyers said their client has already learned his lesson, and asked for lenience. Jim Vertuno, ajc, 5 Aug. 2022

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'lenience.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1796, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of lenience was in 1796

Dictionary Entries Near lenience

Cite this Entry

“Lenience.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lenience. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

lenience

noun
le·​nience ˈlē-nyən(t)s How to pronounce lenience (audio)
-nē-ən(t)s
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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