Synonym Chooser

How does the noun leniency differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of leniency are charity, clemency, grace, and mercy. While all these words mean "a disposition to show kindness or compassion," leniency implies lack of severity in punishing.

criticized the courts for excessive leniency

When is charity a more appropriate choice than leniency?

The synonyms charity and leniency are sometimes interchangeable, but charity stresses benevolence and goodwill shown in broad understanding and tolerance of others.

show a little charity for the less fortunate

When can clemency be used instead of leniency?

While in some cases nearly identical to leniency, clemency implies a mild or merciful disposition in one having the power or duty of punishing.

the judge refused to show clemency

In what contexts can grace take the place of leniency?

While the synonyms grace and leniency are close in meaning, grace implies a benign attitude and a willingness to grant favors or make concessions.

by the grace of God

When might mercy be a better fit than leniency?

The meanings of mercy and leniency largely overlap; however, 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 leniency But there would be no love shown by Melody at her sentencing when she was given the opportunity to express remorse and ask the judge for leniency. Susan Mallie, CBS News, 26 Apr. 2025 Some face strict policy enforcement, while others receive leniency for the same infractions. Caroline Castrillon, Forbes.com, 16 Apr. 2025 Had that been how the family came out to address the situation, the public would likely have been more understanding and said leniency was necessary, though our opinions don’t truly matter. Victoria Uwumarogie, Essence, 17 Mar. 2025 In exchange for cooperation in immigration enforcement, Adams would receive leniency in his criminal case. Josephine Stratman, New York Daily News, 19 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for leniency
Recent Examples of Synonyms for leniency
mercy
Noun
  • Son Brendan was murdered with a chainsaw on Richie Stevenson’s orders while Seraphina screamed for mercy next to her half-brother; Richie had a livestream of the grisly event sent to Maeve’s phone.
    Kimberly Roots, TVLine, 11 May 2025
  • This hilarious odyssey of a parched protagonist reminds us that sometimes our relative sacrifices for the greater good can be tempered by small mercies along the way.
    Matthew Carey, Deadline, 9 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Leniency.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/leniency. Accessed 24 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on leniency

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