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lenient

adjective

Definition of lenientnext
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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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 lenient The allegations against Tran have led to other murder convictions being overturned, dismissals and relatively lenient plea deals in other cases. — Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 21 Aug. 2026 The report helped lay the groundwork for the grading overhaul, after years during which more lenient grading had been seen as a way to ease anxiety among high-achieving students. — Tribune News Service, Baltimore Sun, 19 Aug. 2026 The bot’s lenient management decisions, plus a questionable business sense, are surely contributing to its losses. — Billy Perrigo, Time, 14 Aug. 2026 Historically, permitting these units was lenient given the rarity of their use. — Anna Demeo, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for lenient
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lenient
  1. sympathetic
  2. compassionate
  3. friendly
  4. merciful
  5. forgiving
  6. pleasant
  7. patient
  8. gentle
Adjective
  • The three most prominent characters are charismatic and sympathetic in equal measure.
    — Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 20 Sep. 2026
  • The allegations from Charles Spencer are damaging for King Charles and the royal family, but speaking to people outside Buckingham Palace on Friday morning, CBS News found many who were sympathetic to the monarch.
    — Holly Williams, CBS News, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of sympathetic
Adjective
  • Playing Edward as the courtly and compassionate polar-opposite of his awful sister Fanny, MacKay brings a gentle diffidence that syncs beautifully with Edgar-Jones’ delicate reserve.
    — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 21 Sep. 2026
  • Her reasoning was that Ted's compassionate coaching style is possible only because Rebecca, as the club's owner, permits it.
    — Dan Zaksheske OutKick, FOXNews.com, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of compassionate
Adjective
  • The friendly service, comfortable rooms and downtown location give it wide appeal.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Sep. 2026
  • Love, at 85 years old, is the sole member of the original Beach Boys lineup who still tours under that name, performing all their classic, SPF-friendly hits with younger instrumentalists.
    — Devon Ivie, Vulture, 23 Sep. 2026
Definition of friendly
Adjective
  • Soon, an Angels’ season filled with firings, turmoil and loss after loss after loss will come to its merciful conclusion.
    — Ken Rosenthal, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
  • God did not punish him intensely, but only from time to time and in a merciful way.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of merciful
Adjective
  • Western chefs’ knives tend to be sturdy, heavy, and made with slightly softer and more forgiving steel; Japanese chef’s knives (known as a gyuto), on the other hand, are designed to be sharp, nimble, and excellent slicers.
    — Jesse Raub, Bon Appetit Magazine, 14 Sep. 2026
  • Its cotton material has been garment-dyed for extra softness and blended with a touch of elastane for a more forgiving fit.
    — Eric Twardzik, Robb Report, 14 Sep. 2026
Definition of forgiving
Adjective
  • Finally, your weekend is looking dry and pleasant with highs up near 70°.
    — Ron Smiley, CBS News, 21 Sep. 2026
  • Senior defensive tackle Ansel Din-Mbuh has also been a force in the early season while junior strong safety Kaden McFadden has also been a pleasant surprise with 13 tackles.
    — Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 Sep. 2026
Definition of pleasant
Adjective
  • At its worst, cognitive impairment can be a horrible, life-altering disease for patient and loved ones.
    — Steve Lopez, Los Angeles Times, 23 Sep. 2026
  • But patient acquisition doesn’t end when someone clicks an ad, finds you on Google, watches an Instagram video or lands on your website.
    — Chris Zelig, Forbes.com, 23 Sep. 2026
Definition of patient
Adjective
  • To do this, put the container under a faucet with a gentle stream of water.
    — Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Sep. 2026
  • The gentle squeeze around your legs provides other surprising health benefits on exhausting travel days.
    — Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 27 Sep. 2026
Definition of gentle

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leniency
lenient
leniently
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Cite this Entry

“Lenient.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lenient. Accessed 28 Sep. 2026.

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