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 In that, his attorneys alleged state prosecutors presented false evidence, including that Creech committed a Southern California cold-case murder, at a clemency hearing last year, when Idaho’s parole board deadlocked over whether to drop Creech’s sentence to life in prison. Kevin Fixler, Idaho Statesman, 22 Aug. 2025 Under the laws of the Golden State, Newsom could still step in and even grant clemency to the Menendez brothers. Dominic Patten, Deadline, 22 Aug. 2025 The board may also consider risk assessments that have been conducted by a forensic psychologist at Newsom’s request as part of his review of the brothers’ clemency request. Elizabeth Wolfe, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2025 The Office of the Pardon Attorney lists statistics on pardons and clemency grants for every president from William McKinley through Biden. Mark Pazniokas, Hartford Courant, 19 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for clemency
Recent Examples of Synonyms for clemency
Noun
  • Nearly a dozen letters were sent to the court at the end of August, pleading for the judge to show mercy for Erickson, who was the last person to reach a deal with prosecutors.
    Chris Ramirez, jsonline.com, 3 Sep. 2025
  • Misinterpret a flawed trial, overtrust anecdotal experience or trust the wrong person, and patients are left at the mercy of ineffective or even harmful treatments.
    Anna Forsythe, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Hawthorne’s family speaks Hawthorne’s mother, Vonda Hawthorne, and a family friend also spoke on his behalf, asking the judge to consider some leniency in his sentencing.
    Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 2 Sep. 2025
  • 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, 30 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Clemency.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clemency. Accessed 8 Sep. 2025.

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