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Synonyms
Example Sentences
a social critic who argues that judicial lenity is chiefly to blame for the increased criminality that plagues us
Recent Examples on the Web
The majority’s treatment of the rule of lenity also strikes a slightly sour note.
—
The Insider, Forbes, 15 Apr. 2021
If the rule of lenity applies here, then Butler should not be charged with a hate crime.
—Mark Joseph Stern, Slate Magazine, 25 Apr. 2017
The Insider, Forbes, 15 Apr. 2021
If the rule of lenity applies here, then Butler should not be charged with a hate crime.
—Mark Joseph Stern, Slate Magazine, 25 Apr. 2017
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'lenity.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Word History
First Known Use
1548, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near lenity
Cite this Entry
“Lenity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lenity. Accessed 1 Feb. 2023.
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