Synonyms of clemency

clemency

noun

ˈkle-mən(t)-sē 

as in mercy

kind, gentle, or compassionate treatment especially towards someone who is undeserving of it

the judge chose to show clemency to the truly repentant embezzler

Synonyms & Similar Words

• mercy
• mercifulness
• leniency
• empathy
• compassion
• sympathy
• forbearance
• kindness
• lenity
• grace
• lenience
• charity
• tenderness
• goodness
• quarter
• pity
• generosity
• affection
• humanitarianism
• understanding
• love
• philanthropy
• magnanimity
• goodwill
• gentleness
• meekness
• benevolence
• nobility
• softness
• kindliness
• favor
• humaneness
• mildness
• altruism
• worship
• devotion
• commiseration
• care
• niceness

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• vengeance
• revenge
• retribution
• ruthlessness
• retaliation
• punishment
• violence
• cruelty
• vindictiveness
• reprisal
• brutality
• savagery
• barbarity
• venom
• virulence
• requital
• discipline
• mercilessness
• vitriol
• sadism
• uncharitableness
• hatred
• viciousness
• savageness
• atrocity
• pitilessness
• malice
• spite
• chastisement
• scolding
• wantonness
• truculence
• hostility
• castigation
• detestation
• hard-heartedness
• abhorrence
• malignity
• hate
• malevolence
• malignancy
• spleen
• loathing
• enmity
• abomination
• meanness
• execration
• antagonism
• antipathy
• jealousy
• maliciousness
• resentment
• animosity
• bitterness
• gall
• bile
• jaundice
• grudge
• rancor
• pique
• nastiness
• hardness
• spitefulness
• roughness
• harshness
• coarseness
• invidiousness
• cattiness
• hatefulness

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

Recent Examples of clemency

Ron Safer, who served as the former lead federal prosecutor in Hoover's 1997 conviction, told ABC News' Chicago station WLS that he was disappointed Hoover was granted federal clemency. —Beatrice Peterson, ABC News, 22 Oct. 2025

However, upon taking office for his second term, Trump issued a proclamation granting clemency to many of those convicted and dismissing the cases of others who had been charged. —Meredith Kile, PEOPLE, 13 Oct. 2025

Their petition for a new trial was denied last month by a judge, and their clemency petition has languished on California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s desk. —Elizabeth Wolfe, CNN Money, 12 Oct. 2025

President Donald Trump granted him clemency in 2021, just before leaving office at the end of his first term. —Todd Spangler, Freep.com, 7 Oct. 2025