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 Meanwhile, Trump has granted clemencies and commutations to people who owe more than $1.3 billion in restitution money, combined, to victims of white collar crime, according to the former U.S. pardon attorney Liz Oyer, who tallied the money using court records. Sara Dorn, Forbes.com, 4 July 2025 In his first and second terms, Trump has granted pardons or commutations to at least 68 people convicted of fraud crimes or of interfering with fraud investigations, according to a KFF Health News review of court and clemency records, DOJ press releases, and news reports. Brett Kelman, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025 Joe Biden, and previously Barack Obama, did not achieve major federal reform for cannabis or significant clemency for those incarcerated for non-violent cannabis crimes during their respective terms. Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2025 Jordan once fired on a small hut suspected of shooting down a U.S. helicopter and later learned that women and children were among the dead inside, a revelation that still haunts him even though his actions were found to be legal, the clemency petition says. Amanda Lee Myers, USA Today, 26 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for clemency
Recent Examples of Synonyms for clemency
Noun
  • In many cases, core systems and procurement processes are not yet fully operational or are at the mercy of the former parent company, making traditional supplier onboarding a challenge.
    Simon Wells, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025
  • Shelia was then sentenced to life behind bars with mercy, a West Virginia law which grants juvenile offenders the possibility of parole after 15 years.
    Alex Gurley, People.com, 6 July 2025
Noun
  • His defense attorney at the time, Brooke Wells, argued for leniency, saying that Menzies had a long history of being abused and neglected as a child and had been diagnosed with mental disorders, the Tribune reported.
    Amanda Lee Myers, USA Today, 11 July 2025
  • Exactly what punishment prosecutors are asking for and any arguments for leniency from Antle’s attorneys were kept from the public before Tuesday morning’s hearing in federal court in Charleston.
    Sydney Lake, Fortune, 8 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Clemency.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clemency. Accessed 22 Jul. 2025.

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