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

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

Choose the Right Synonym for leniency

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 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

This collections cliff arrives after a period when defaulted borrowers might have grown accustomed to leniency so that the shock could be substantial. —Shahar Ziv, Forbes.com, 22 Apr. 2025

Per The Hollywood Reporter, Maldonado-Passage asked for leniency on his sentence amid his diagnosis, with his attorney claiming at his resentencing that Maldonado-Passage was not receiving proper medical care. —Nicole Briese, People.com, 22 Apr. 2025

The third co-conspirator, N.J. businessman Jose Uribe, cooperated in exchange for leniency. —Molly Crane-Newman, New York Daily News, 21 Apr. 2025

Her sentencing filing also cited her status as the mother of a new baby, with another on the way, as a reason the court should grant leniency. —Martha Ross, The Mercury News, 13 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1753, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for leniency

• conveniency

Kids Definition

leniency

noun

le·​nien·​cy ˈlē-nē-ən-sē 

-nyən-sē

: the quality or state of being lenient