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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
  • Finally, after flashing his union card and ID, a sympathetic cop lets him in.
    — Jeff Goodell, Rolling Stone, 11 Sep. 2026
  • And Ric Salinas, who plays Chachalacani, humorously obliges, bringing his Culture Clash vaudeville skills to the role of the sentry who’s caught between the rock of Klion’s tyranny and his fellow feeling for Antíkona’s sympathetic cause.
    — Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of sympathetic
Adjective
  • The program, also known as compassionate use, is a regulatory pathway that helps dying patients get unproven drugs outside of a clinical trial.
    — Gerry Smith, CNBC, 10 Sep. 2026
  • While everyone else seemed to be compassionate and understanding, David sometimes was not.
    — Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 10 Sep. 2026
Definition of compassionate
Adjective
  • In that time, his journey mirrors that of many migrants through the years, seeking asylum in friendlier lands when their home country is attacked.
    — Murtada Elfadl, Variety, 16 Sep. 2026
  • Easy-access child seat anchors add to its family-friendly appeal.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 16 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
  • The mood by the end of the show was something of pleasant surprise.
    — Jeff Ihaza, Rolling Stone, 14 Sep. 2026
  • Leach mentioned Anderson as a pleasant surprise, with this year’s sixth-round pick getting up and down the ice well while showing some presence with the puck.
    — Vincent Z. Mercogliano, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2026
Definition of pleasant
Adjective
  • Taking these lessons and being able to be patient, taking it a hole and a shot at a time.
    — Johnny Resendiz, CBS News, 16 Sep. 2026
  • The Royals remained patient as Erceg was slotted into low-leverage situations.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 16 Sep. 2026
Definition of patient
Adjective
  • In Paper Tiger, there’s something more reserved and gentle about him.
    — Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 21 Sep. 2026
  • The plant clips feature high-quality waterproof plastic that’s durable but gentle on fragile stems.
    — Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Sep. 2026
Definition of gentle

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leniency
lenient
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Cite this Entry

“Lenient.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lenient. Accessed 21 Sep. 2026.

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