leniency
noun
le·nien·cy
ˈlē-nē-ən(t)-sē 
-nyən(t)-sē
plural leniencies
1
: the quality or state of being lenient
the leniency of the punishment
2
: a lenient disposition or practice
The prisoner asked the judge for leniency.
Synonyms
Examples of leniency in a Sentence
the defense requested leniency in light of their client's lack of a prior criminal record
Recent Examples on the Web
In a sentencing memo, Jennifer Crumbley's parents and others pleaded with the court for leniency.
—
Quinn Klinefelter, NPR, 9 Apr. 2024
The defense argued for leniency, saying that Ornelas Mora’s family would suffer if he was incarcerated for a lengthy period of time.
—Nate Gartrell, The Mercury News, 8 Apr. 2024
Jennifer Crumbley's family rallies for leniency Each count carries a potential prison sentence of up to 15 years, though the sentences are expected to be served concurrently.
—Lily Altavena, Detroit Free Press, 7 Apr. 2024
Years later, while standing before a judge pleading for leniency, Pierson downplayed his involvement with Garcia and the cartel.
—Beth Warren, USA TODAY, 6 Apr. 2024
Defense attorneys highlight that at this time, the COVID-19 pandemic had prompted the IRS to offer relief and leniency programs to taxpayers facing financial challenges.
—Matt Hamilton, Los Angeles Times, 27 Mar. 2024
The case went nowhere until a witness came forward with new information, hoping to get leniency in an unrelated criminal matter, authorities said.
—Nate Gartrell, The Mercury News, 5 Mar. 2024
In a move offering some greater leniency for remote workers, visitors to the U.K. can work remotely in the country, so long as work is not the primary purpose of their visit.
—Paige McGlauflin, Fortune, 11 Dec. 2023
Unsealed court documents reveal that Peck got 41 letters from supporters asking the judge for leniency in his sentencing.
—Tracy Brown, Los Angeles Times, 13 Mar. 2024
Quinn Klinefelter, NPR, 9 Apr. 2024
The defense argued for leniency, saying that Ornelas Mora’s family would suffer if he was incarcerated for a lengthy period of time.
—Nate Gartrell, The Mercury News, 8 Apr. 2024
Jennifer Crumbley's family rallies for leniency Each count carries a potential prison sentence of up to 15 years, though the sentences are expected to be served concurrently.
—Lily Altavena, Detroit Free Press, 7 Apr. 2024
Years later, while standing before a judge pleading for leniency, Pierson downplayed his involvement with Garcia and the cartel.
—Beth Warren, USA TODAY, 6 Apr. 2024
Defense attorneys highlight that at this time, the COVID-19 pandemic had prompted the IRS to offer relief and leniency programs to taxpayers facing financial challenges.
—Matt Hamilton, Los Angeles Times, 27 Mar. 2024
The case went nowhere until a witness came forward with new information, hoping to get leniency in an unrelated criminal matter, authorities said.
—Nate Gartrell, The Mercury News, 5 Mar. 2024
In a move offering some greater leniency for remote workers, visitors to the U.K. can work remotely in the country, so long as work is not the primary purpose of their visit.
—Paige McGlauflin, Fortune, 11 Dec. 2023
Unsealed court documents reveal that Peck got 41 letters from supporters asking the judge for leniency in his sentencing.
—Tracy Brown, Los Angeles Times, 13 Mar. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'leniency.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“Leniency.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/leniency. Accessed 25 Apr. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
leniency
noun
le·nien·cy
ˈlē-nē-ən-sē
-nyən-sē
: the quality or state of being lenient
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