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

• charity
• forbearance
• lenience
• leniency
• lenity
• mercifulness
• mercy
• quarter

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

Gutierrez's execution has previously been set six times and then postponed over mostly clerical errors − a process that amounts to torture, his attorney argues in a petition for clemency that the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles denied on Friday. —Amaris Encinas, USA TODAY, 16 July 2024

To that effect, Ford announced a clemency program for Vietnam War deserters and draft evaders, invited prominent feminists and Black lawmakers to personal meetings in the White House, and appointed as his vice president the standard bearer for liberal Republicans, Nelson Rockefeller. —Ben Bradford / Made By History, TIME, 16 July 2024

The bigger picture: This is one of the nation’s most sweeping acts of clemency involving cannabis. —Jamie Ross, Washington Post, 17 June 2024

For her part, Kardashian has become an advocate for criminal justice reform, speaking with governors and legislators, as well as former President Donald Trump, to lobby for clemency petitions, among other efforts. —Mia Galuppo, The Hollywood Reporter, 13 June 2024

Word History

Etymology

see clement

First Known Use

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

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