Synonym Chooser

How does the noun clemency differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of clemency are charity, grace, leniency, and mercy. While all these words mean "a disposition to show kindness or compassion," clemency implies a mild or merciful disposition in one having the power or duty of punishing.

the judge refused to show clemency

When would charity be a good substitute for clemency?

While the synonyms charity and clemency are close in meaning, charity stresses benevolence and goodwill shown in broad understanding and tolerance of others.

show a little charity for the less fortunate

In what contexts can grace take the place of clemency?

The synonyms grace and clemency are sometimes interchangeable, but grace implies a benign attitude and a willingness to grant favors or make concessions.

by the grace of God

When is it sensible to use leniency instead of clemency?

Although the words leniency and clemency have much in common, leniency implies lack of severity in punishing.

criticized the courts for excessive leniency

When is mercy a more appropriate choice than clemency?

While in some cases nearly identical to clemency, mercy implies compassion that forbears punishing even when justice demands it.

threw himself on the mercy of the court

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of clemency But Trump has remained mum on any clemency for Menendez. Ella Lee, The Hill, 17 June 2025 His sentencing has sparked debate over political prosecutions and the limits of presidential clemency. Amanda Castro hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 June 2025 During last month’s clemency hearing, Hanson expressed remorse for his involvement in the crimes and apologized to the victims’ families. Sean Murphy, Los Angeles Times, 12 June 2025 By Oyer's count, the recipients of Trump's second-term clemency cumulatively owed more than $1 billion in restitution -- money intended for the victims of fraudulent schemes. Lucien Bruggeman, ABC News, 12 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for clemency
Recent Examples of Synonyms for clemency
Noun
  • Sales tax revenue, meanwhile, is at the mercy of uncertain macroeconomic conditions, with many U.S. economists predicting that the country might soon fall into a recession.
    Jonathan Horwitz, Oc Register, 26 June 2025
  • That's the small mercy serious songs offer: not false hope, but a candle in the hallway, proof that someone else stayed up too.
    Philip Martin, Arkansas Online, 26 June 2025
Noun
  • Brooklyn Federal Court Judge William Kuntz handed down a 12-year and three month sentence to gun dealer Raymond Minaya Tuesday, rejecting the 29-year-old defendant’s plea for leniency, but stopping short of the more than 15 years prosecutors had sought.
    John Annese, New York Daily News, 24 June 2025
  • While some investors are willing to lend him some leniency on timing and the exact details, many want concrete signs of progress.
    Bloomberg, Oc Register, 13 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Clemency.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clemency. Accessed 10 Jul. 2025.

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