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

Multiple people close to the situation had stated or speculated that an official request had been sent, and the president himself had said that Combs had asked for clemency, but Thursday’s report was the first official confirmation of the letter’s existence. —Jem Aswad, Variety, 8 Jan. 2026

Trump has granted clemency to several celebrities in the past, including Todd and Julie Chrisley, NBA YoungBoy, Lil Wayne, and Kodak Black. —Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 8 Jan. 2026

The rare decision to drop the federal charge came shortly after Trump in November issued a largely symbolic grant of clemency to individuals who worked on his behalf to challenge the results of the 2020 election. —Olivia Rubin, ABC News, 7 Jan. 2026

Many of the artists who submitted work to the first lady and to the justice institute have petitions for executive clemency pending before the governor. —Chicago Tribune, 7 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