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
The decision came eight months after the court rejected a more lenient agreement between Levey Cohen and the Florida Judicial Qualifications Commission, which polices the behavior of judges on and off the bench.
—
Rafael Olmeda, Sun Sentinel, 9 May 2025
During Trump’s first term in the White House, the Republican issued a directive to ban transgender service members, with an exception for some of those who had already started transitioning under more lenient rules that were in effect during Obama’s Democratic administration.
—Mark Sherman, Chicago Tribune, 6 May 2025
Back on the House side, another leading voice pushing for a more lenient approach, Rep. Anthony Garbarino (R-N.Y.) ultimately did not vote.
—Rachel Frazin, The Hill, 23 May 2025
The Delaware County District Attorney's Office acknowledged the fact that the trauma those two young girls endured is part of the reason Garnier was able to make a deal which helped secure him a far more lenient sentence.
—Chris Spargo, People.com, 20 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for lenient
Rafael Olmeda, Sun Sentinel, 9 May 2025
During Trump’s first term in the White House, the Republican issued a directive to ban transgender service members, with an exception for some of those who had already started transitioning under more lenient rules that were in effect during Obama’s Democratic administration.
—Mark Sherman, Chicago Tribune, 6 May 2025
Back on the House side, another leading voice pushing for a more lenient approach, Rep. Anthony Garbarino (R-N.Y.) ultimately did not vote.
—Rachel Frazin, The Hill, 23 May 2025
The Delaware County District Attorney's Office acknowledged the fact that the trauma those two young girls endured is part of the reason Garnier was able to make a deal which helped secure him a far more lenient sentence.
—Chris Spargo, People.com, 20 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for lenient
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lenient
Adjective
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Iran’s missile strike against a U.S. military base in Qatar was met with near-unanimous rebuke in the Middle East, including from sympathetic powers such as Oman.—
Brady Knox,
The Washington Examiner,
23 June 2025
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Trump and his cabinet members have repeatedly characterized Khalil’s advocacy as antisemitic and as being sympathetic to Hamas, which the U.S. designates as a terrorist organization.—
Molly Crane-Newman,
New York Daily News,
20 June 2025
Adjective
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This, for me, is a viable and compassionate way of supporting your people — those, like Griselda best said, who are the ones consuming your music and buying your concert ticket.—
Sigal Ratner-Arias,
Billboard,
20 June 2025
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Through his characters, Fellowes communicates his approval for a more compassionate and inclusive upper crust.—
Judy Berman,
Time,
20 June 2025
Adjective
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A week filled with fun videos of puppies trying to master the stairs and a friendly doggy neighbor making his rounds brightened our social media timelines, but a few of our readers' pet videos and pictures stood out.—
Liz O'Connell,
MSNBC Newsweek,
28 June 2025
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This is a guide that is both a friendly flower refresher course for the veteran gardener and a wonderful introduction to flowers for the novice.—
Joshua Siskin,
Oc Register,
28 June 2025
Adjective
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The stoppage in the 11th round was a merciful one from Barrera’s corner.—
Brian Mazique,
Forbes.com,
18 June 2025
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If 10 percent of people are going to be cruel no matter what and 10 percent will be merciful no matter what, then the greatest battle of our lives, the real one, is not good versus evil.—
Stephanie Dillon,
Rolling Stone,
23 May 2025
Adjective
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Unlike in previous offseasons, the NHL system in an era of cap growth should theoretically be more forgiving for the NHL’s 32 member clubs.—
Harman Dayal,
New York Times,
19 June 2025
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Judy is one of the best, and shooting on film is also a lot more forgiving.—
Brian Davids,
HollywoodReporter,
4 June 2025
Adjective
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Using a real-life incarceration facility near Geelong in Victoria that had just opened (but wasn’t populated yet), Williams has a setting that’s sunny and modern, not inherently depressing if not exactly pleasant, either.—
Dennis Harvey,
Variety,
20 June 2025
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The most pleasant surprise to me was Ohio’s Matt Ponatoski, ranked as the No. 29 QB by 247Sports.—
Bruce Feldman,
New York Times,
20 June 2025
Adjective
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This might include board compositions that balance quarterly oversight with generational strategy, compensation systems that reward long-term value creation, and communication strategies that educate the different stakeholders about the value of patient capital.—
Esade Business & Law School,
Forbes.com,
27 June 2025
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The Spurs are nothing if not the most patient organization in the league.—
Andrew Greif,
NBC news,
26 June 2025
Adjective
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Through its busy streets, the Ford Ranger PHEV emitted a gentle hum at low speeds and easily handled deep road ruts and drain covers with little fuss.—
Matthew MacConnell,
Forbes.com,
23 June 2025
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The best long-lasting eyeliner for mature skin, then, should have a gentle glide, grip, and staying power without calling attention to fine lines or crepey lids.—
Angela Trakoshis,
Allure,
23 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Lenient.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lenient. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.
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