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 of leniency

• mercy
• mercifulness

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

Discipline campaigns offer unambiguous carrots and sticks, including leniency for cadres who show the right attitude and professional purgatory, even exile, for those who do not. — Andrew Mertha, Foreign Affairs, 17 Sep. 2026

Upon dropping him off, Julián’s father warns Carmela that the boy is different, appealing to some leniency. — Carlos Aguilar, Variety, 16 Sep. 2026

Her clever approach looks at a large number of middle schools in Norway, ranking their divergent smartphone policies across a range from strictness to leniency. — Joshua Rothman, New Yorker, 4 Sep. 2026

In denying that leniency, investigators cited the sheer number of late payments, the large dollar amounts, and the lengthy delays. — Ryan MacAsero, Mercury News, 4 Sep. 2026

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