as in sympathetic
allowing a lot of freedom and not punishing bad behavior in a strong way
a teacher who is lenient with students who have misbehaved The public was outraged by the lenient sentence the corrupt banker received.
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Recent Examples of lenient
In a social media post, Polis noted that Jaquez Lewis was convicted of the same exact felony as Peters, but received a much more lenient sentence.
—
Doug Friednash, Denver Post, 6 Mar. 2026
The scandal has already led to multiple lenient plea deals, multiple case dismissals and the overturning of at least three murder convictions.
—Jakob Rodgers, Mercury News, 2 Mar. 2026
But his crimes were taken seriously by authorities only after the journalist Julie Brown uncovered the extent of Epstein’s crimes and the lenient response from law enforcement over decades.
—Adam Serwer, The Atlantic, 26 Feb. 2026
Another Trumpist tenet was that our society had become lawless, its justice system far too lenient.
—Joshua Rothman, New Yorker, 24 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for lenient
Doug Friednash, Denver Post, 6 Mar. 2026
The scandal has already led to multiple lenient plea deals, multiple case dismissals and the overturning of at least three murder convictions.
—Jakob Rodgers, Mercury News, 2 Mar. 2026
But his crimes were taken seriously by authorities only after the journalist Julie Brown uncovered the extent of Epstein’s crimes and the lenient response from law enforcement over decades.
—Adam Serwer, The Atlantic, 26 Feb. 2026
Another Trumpist tenet was that our society had become lawless, its justice system far too lenient.
—Joshua Rothman, New Yorker, 24 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for lenient
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lenient
Adjective
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Willa eludes Lockjaw's goons with the help of Deandra (Regina Hall), a French 75 member, and finds refuge with the Sisters of the Brave Beaver, a convent of sympathetic (if exhausted) nuns.—
Randall Colburn,
Entertainment Weekly,
11 Mar. 2026
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This suggests the possibility that Austen’s 1808 letter could be her sympathetic take on her sister’s treating period pain.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
11 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Advice on relationships, family, work and everyday life with practical, compassionate guidance and a touch of humor.—
R Eric Thomas,
Baltimore Sun,
10 Mar. 2026
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Lawmakers can do their part by prohibiting intentional vehicular killing of wildlife, which would go a long way toward creating a legacy of just and compassionate wildlife stewardship.—
Wendy Keefover,
Denver Post,
10 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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In other words, the sun may not have arrived in a life-friendly environment purely by chance, but rather as a consequence of the formation of the galactic bar.—
Charles Q. Choi,
Space.com,
12 Mar. 2026
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The seizure has angered Ukrainian authorities, who accused Hungary's Russia-friendly government of acting illegally.—
JUSTIN SPIKE THE ASSOCIATED PRESS,
Arkansas Online,
11 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Despite his impassive eyes, balding pate, and slit of a smile, Robert Duvall could be volcanic and melancholic, mysterious and straightforward, vengeful and merciful.—
Peter Tonguette,
The Washington Examiner,
27 Feb. 2026
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In a way, this can seem merciful.—
Katherine J. Wu,
The Atlantic,
24 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Use boneless skinless chicken thighs in place of breasts for a richer flavor and more forgiving texture.—
Kimberly Holland,
Southern Living,
5 Mar. 2026
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The Nuggets were not in a very forgiving mood on Wednesday.—
Bennett Durando,
Denver Post,
4 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Are not random acts of rhyming gone wrong still more pleasant than thinking about squealing war-babies, the wrecking ball that is the last week of a Florida legislative session or the AI Apocalypse which should be here (checks watch) very soon?—
Pat Beall,
Sun Sentinel,
13 Mar. 2026
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The fireplace, stone walls, and ambient lighting, paired with hand-cut steaks, homemade desserts, and Virginia wine pairings, lull diners into a pleasant reverie.—
Lydia Mansel,
Southern Living,
13 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Thanks to the depth of their pitching staff, the Dodgers can afford to be patient with building up Snell.—
Jack Vita,
Los Angeles Times,
13 Mar. 2026
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The Moon is opposing Jupiter (currently in your patient 7th house).—
Tarot.com,
Baltimore Sun,
13 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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This assortment includes the gentle yet effective Dynamic Resurfacing Peel Pads that deliver a measured dose of patented Tri-Enzyme Technology for smoother-looking skin.—
Tory Johnson,
ABC News,
12 Mar. 2026
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Today hosts a gentle Moon-Chiron trine, empowering your friendly 11th house and your verbose 3rd house.—
Tarot.com,
Hartford Courant,
11 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Lenient.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lenient. Accessed 18 Mar. 2026.
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