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
Epstein’s lenient plea deal with federal prosecutors was the subject of the Miami Herald’s 2018 ‘Perversion of Justice’ series.
—
Julie K. Brown, Miami Herald, 5 Feb. 2026
As mentioned above, though, warm minimalism is more lenient in this regard, and welcomes the incorporation of personal items that are special or tell a story.
—Erica Puisis, The Spruce, 31 Jan. 2026
Cramer argued that quarterly earnings from General Motors showed how the White House's more lenient stance on environmental regulation benefits the automaker.
—Morgan Chittum, CNBC, 27 Jan. 2026
Other cases have ended in lenient plea deals and case dismissals.
—Jakob Rodgers, Mercury News, 22 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for lenient
Julie K. Brown, Miami Herald, 5 Feb. 2026
As mentioned above, though, warm minimalism is more lenient in this regard, and welcomes the incorporation of personal items that are special or tell a story.
—Erica Puisis, The Spruce, 31 Jan. 2026
Cramer argued that quarterly earnings from General Motors showed how the White House's more lenient stance on environmental regulation benefits the automaker.
—Morgan Chittum, CNBC, 27 Jan. 2026
Other cases have ended in lenient plea deals and case dismissals.
—Jakob Rodgers, Mercury News, 22 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for lenient
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lenient
Adjective
-
The source added that Kate is sympathetic toward Beatrice and Eugenie as a fellow mother to young children.—
Jason Pham,
StyleCaster,
24 Feb. 2026
-
Other judges have been more sympathetic to the NCAA’s concern that the unique character of college sports could be harmed if players stick around for years as perpetual graduate students.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
23 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Elizabeth was principled and compassionate while Jessica was carefree, outgoing and manipulative, and their clashes and crushes became a welcome distraction.—
Faith Karimi,
CNN Money,
17 Feb. 2026
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Protect your rest now, and let silence restore a clear, compassionate perspective.—
Tarot.com,
Chicago Tribune,
17 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
At the base of Mount Annupuri, the hotel is perfectly positioned for guests to jump straight on a gondola and onto the slopes, with countless ski and snowboard trails, high-quality off-piste powder skiing, and scenic family-friendly routes through the forests.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
26 Feb. 2026
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Raglan is a charming surf town on the west coast of New Zealand’s North Island where the vibes are laidback and friendly.—
Nicole Kliest,
Vogue,
26 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
The Olympics appear to be the merciful conclusion of an adductor muscle injury from last season’s 4 Nations Face-Off that cost him the rest of the regular season last year and forced him to play hurt during the playoffs.—
Chris Kudialis,
Miami Herald,
23 Feb. 2026
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These changes would ensure a more merciful society, one that pardons in the name not of a sovereign president, but of the people.—
Bernadette Meyler,
Harpers Magazine,
27 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Start with a very forgiving plant that can take multiple types of light and do not need lots of water; snake plants and Aglaonema are great plants to start with.—
Ashley Chalmers,
The Spruce,
11 Feb. 2026
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In addition, Tucker claims MSU adopted a much lighter and more forgiving touch with two white coaches, football coach Mark Dantonio and basketball coach Tom Izzo, when they and their programs were accused of wrongdoing.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
3 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
What might be a pleasant wine on the ground often loses nuance or becomes imbalanced in flight since the low cabin pressure tends to mute aromas.—
Karla Walsh,
Travel + Leisure,
20 Feb. 2026
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Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden is in full bloom, and water excursions like kayaking, paddleboarding, and snorkeling are also especially pleasant at this time of year, even if the water’s a bit chilly, at least to natives.—
Skye Sherman,
Southern Living,
20 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
That’s had a direct impact on patient numbers, Muthyala said.—
Lauren Mascarenhas,
CNN Money,
19 Feb. 2026
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Be patient, understanding, and (most importantly) listen.—
Kimberly Zapata,
Parents,
19 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Wash gym clothes on a gentle setting.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
19 Feb. 2026
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They are specifically designed to provide gentle, even pressure across the body.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
19 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Lenient.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lenient. Accessed 26 Feb. 2026.
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