Synonyms of clemency

clemency

noun

ˈkle-mən(t)-sē 

as in mercy

kind, gentle, or compassionate treatment especially towards someone who is undeserving of it

the judge chose to show clemency to the truly repentant embezzler

Synonyms & Similar Words

• mercy
• mercifulness
• leniency
• empathy
• compassion
• sympathy
• forbearance
• kindness
• lenity
• grace
• lenience
• charity
• tenderness
• goodness
• quarter
• pity
• generosity
• affection
• humanitarianism
• understanding
• love
• philanthropy
• magnanimity
• goodwill
• gentleness
• meekness
• benevolence
• nobility
• softness
• kindliness
• favor
• humaneness
• mildness
• altruism
• worship
• devotion
• commiseration
• care
• niceness

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• vengeance
• revenge
• retribution
• ruthlessness
• retaliation
• punishment
• violence
• cruelty
• vindictiveness
• reprisal
• brutality
• savagery
• barbarity
• venom
• virulence
• requital
• discipline
• mercilessness
• vitriol
• sadism
• uncharitableness
• hatred
• viciousness
• savageness
• atrocity
• pitilessness
• malice
• spite
• chastisement
• scolding
• wantonness
• truculence
• hostility
• castigation
• detestation
• hard-heartedness
• abhorrence
• malignity
• hate
• malevolence
• malignancy
• spleen
• loathing
• enmity
• abomination
• meanness
• execration
• antagonism
• antipathy
• jealousy
• maliciousness
• resentment
• animosity
• bitterness
• gall
• bile
• jaundice
• grudge
• rancor
• pique
• nastiness
• hardness
• spitefulness
• roughness
• harshness
• coarseness
• invidiousness
• cattiness
• hatefulness

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun clemency differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of clemency are charity, grace, leniency, and mercy. While all these words mean "a disposition to show kindness or compassion," clemency implies a mild or merciful disposition in one having the power or duty of punishing.

the judge refused to show clemency

When would charity be a good substitute for clemency?

While the synonyms charity and clemency are close in meaning, charity stresses benevolence and goodwill shown in broad understanding and tolerance of others.

show a little charity for the less fortunate

In what contexts can grace take the place of clemency?

The synonyms grace and clemency are sometimes interchangeable, but grace implies a benign attitude and a willingness to grant favors or make concessions.

by the grace of God

When is it sensible to use leniency instead of clemency?

Although the words leniency and clemency have much in common, leniency implies lack of severity in punishing.

criticized the courts for excessive leniency

When is mercy a more appropriate choice than clemency?

While in some cases nearly identical to clemency, mercy implies compassion that forbears punishing even when justice demands it.

threw himself on the mercy of the court

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of clemency

As governor, Newsom has the authority to grant any Californian clemency. —Jenny Goldsberry, The Washington Examiner, 8 Apr. 2025

Trump granted clemency to all of them on his first day in office. —Sarah N. Lynch, USA Today, 4 Apr. 2025

That act of executive clemency left Braun on supervised release in his federal criminal case. —Dan Mangan, CNBC, 4 Apr. 2025

They are already scheduled to appear before the board on June 13 as part of a comprehensive risk assessment report ordered by Newsom, who is considering the brothers’ clemency request – a separate potential path out of prison. —Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 17 Apr. 2025