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 state board has become much more lenient when crimes occurred at a younger age, experts say, and those crimes were tied to trauma.
—
Sean Emery, Oc Register, 17 July 2025
The high marks for schools this year — 76% in Orange County and 71% statewide achieved an A or a B — could reignite a debate about whether Florida’s school grading scale is too lenient.
—Steven Walker, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 July 2025
These high marks could reignite a debate about whether Florida’s school grading scale is too lenient.
—Scott Travis, Sun Sentinel, 12 July 2025
Shields also praised Henchy as a great father and explained why she’s become more lenient with Grier and Rowan in recent years.
—Daniel S. Levine, People.com, 10 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for lenient
Sean Emery, Oc Register, 17 July 2025
The high marks for schools this year — 76% in Orange County and 71% statewide achieved an A or a B — could reignite a debate about whether Florida’s school grading scale is too lenient.
—Steven Walker, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 July 2025
These high marks could reignite a debate about whether Florida’s school grading scale is too lenient.
—Scott Travis, Sun Sentinel, 12 July 2025
Shields also praised Henchy as a great father and explained why she’s become more lenient with Grier and Rowan in recent years.
—Daniel S. Levine, People.com, 10 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for lenient
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lenient
Adjective
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During World War II, America was also fighting Germany and Italy, but during the war, far fewer German and Italian non-citizen immigrants were interned than Japanese and those who were interned had been carefully vetted by the FBI as being sympathetic to their former homelands.—
Paul L. Newman,
New York Daily News,
6 Aug. 2025
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There's no telling if the judge who immediately granted the NYT such broad access, Ona Wang, will be sympathetic to OpenAI's arguments at this stage of the battle.—
Ashley Belanger,
ArsTechnica,
5 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Though a small sample, their reactions were notably compassionate towards transgender people and supportive of the doctors who provided their care.—
Time,
Time,
7 Aug. 2025
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Being more compassionate and respectful to the needs of your squad and family, instead of just asserting your wants, adds a new dimension to your connection with them.—
Lisa Stardust,
Refinery29,
5 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
The show serves as a friendly frame for the songs without threatening to get in the way of them.—
Owen Gleiberman,
Variety,
15 Aug. 2025
-
Time-traveling romances, space-traveling alien monsters, and celebrities in seriously great shape who want to pass along their wisdom to us normal folk — all this and more await us in this weekend’s friendly neighborhood streaming guide.—
Erik Kain,
Forbes.com,
15 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Basically a reboot after the last World trilogy with Chris Pratt came to a merciful conclusion, Rebirth stars Scarlett Johansson, Mahershala Ali, Jonathan Bailey, and Rupert Friend, but, of course, the real stars are the dinosaurs.—
Brian Tallerico,
Vulture,
12 Aug. 2025
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Not only did the team put an offensive moniker that shall remain nameless in this space in its past, but Snyder's sad and disturbing reign as owner finally came to a merciful end.—
Jim Reineking,
USA Today,
21 July 2025
Adjective
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For the record, Republicans seem to be more forgiving.—
Susan Page,
USA Today,
31 July 2025
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If planting straight from seed is intimidating, head to your local hardware store and pick up a few starts (baby plants ready to go into the ground), which can be a little more forgiving.—
Aemilia Madden,
Vogue,
21 July 2025
Adjective
-
Think wild strawberries and mineral lift with just enough texture to add a pleasant element of complexity, something not often found in entry-level rosé.—
Devin Parr,
Forbes.com,
5 Aug. 2025
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Mini marshmallows add a chewy, soft contrast, while crunchy lemon cookies give the dessert a pleasant crunch.—
Kimberly Holland,
Southern Living,
5 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Through the strategic integration of AI, organizations can simultaneously improve patient outcomes, drive efficiency and enhance operational responsibilities.—
Mammon Baloch,
Forbes.com,
14 Aug. 2025
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To supplement those real-life cases, providers visit simulation labs, do monthly mock scenarios, and review advanced skills, such as using an ultrasound to help guide breathing tubes into patient airways.—
Arielle Zionts. KFF Health News,
CNN Money,
14 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Be gentle and pat (don't rub) dry with a clean towel.—
Mark Gurarie,
Health,
7 Aug. 2025
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The rich, mousse-like formula felt smooth and hydrating and was gentle on her skin.—
Esme Benjamin,
People.com,
6 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Lenient.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lenient. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025.
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