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
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Recent Examples of lenient
The lenient deal has since been the subject of widespread scrutiny and conspiracy theories—along with many other aspects of Epstein’s life and case.
—
Chantelle Lee, Time, 2 Oct. 2025
All of this was sent to Judge Arun Subramanian as Combs’ lawyers work to secure their client the most lenient sentence possible following his conviction on two felony prostitution charges this summer.
—Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 26 Sep. 2025
Project Veritas contends lower courts used too lenient a test in upholding the law.
—Zach Schonfeld, The Hill, 17 Sep. 2025
Since then, attorneys and judges have overseen multiple lenient plea deals and case dismissals, while local prosecutors reviewed hundreds of active and resolved cases that Tran investigated.
—Jakob Rodgers, Mercury News, 6 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for lenient
Chantelle Lee, Time, 2 Oct. 2025
All of this was sent to Judge Arun Subramanian as Combs’ lawyers work to secure their client the most lenient sentence possible following his conviction on two felony prostitution charges this summer.
—Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 26 Sep. 2025
Project Veritas contends lower courts used too lenient a test in upholding the law.
—Zach Schonfeld, The Hill, 17 Sep. 2025
Since then, attorneys and judges have overseen multiple lenient plea deals and case dismissals, while local prosecutors reviewed hundreds of active and resolved cases that Tran investigated.
—Jakob Rodgers, Mercury News, 6 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for lenient
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lenient
Adjective
-
Having spent his entire life in the shadow of Cody (Brandon Tyler Moore), the far more athletic twin brother primed for combat by their sadistic dad, John (Blake Burt) cuts a far more sympathetic figure.—
Jon O'Brien,
IndieWire,
10 Oct. 2025
-
Linda hustles the two of them to a nearby motel whose only employees are a surly young goth attendant (a glowering Ivy Wolk) and a sympathetic, mildly flirty super (A$AP Rocky, laidback and breezy).—
Stephanie Zacharek,
Time,
10 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
We are honored to spotlight a community that not only faced an unprecedented disaster but emerged with a stronger, more compassionate spirit.—
Meghan Overdeep,
Southern Living,
7 Oct. 2025
-
TikTokers were quick to praise Coco for his empathy and Cruz for raising such a compassionate pup.—
Lydia Patrick,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Family-friendly entertainment includes ballet folklórico dance, classic car show by Viejitos Car Club, and musical performances by Mariachi Del Mar, Los Gringos Muertos Band and Smooth Groove.—
Linda Mcintosh,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
10 Oct. 2025
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The French fashion house’s new ads, which break in print on Thursday, show Stone and fellow brand ambassador Hoyeon touting the Capucines and Side Trunk bags in fall-friendly colors ranging from cognac to deep navy and taupe.—
Joelle Diderich,
Footwear News,
9 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
This merciful act of sportsmanship came a month before Stewart’s tragic death on a chartered jet.—
Ian O'Connor,
New York Times,
24 Sep. 2025
-
May he be received into the merciful arms of our loving Savior who suffered and died for Charlie.—
Amanda Castro
Gabe Whisnant
Anna Commander
Toby Meyjes
Shane Croucher
John Feng
Joshua Rhett Miller,
MSNBC Newsweek,
10 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Even so, in her memoir Sister Jean talks about setting aside daily quiet time and maintaining a forgiving spirit.—
NPR,
NPR,
10 Oct. 2025
-
Daniel Farke was not so forgiving in relation to Ao Tanaka’s foul on Alex Scott in the 93rd minute against Bournemouth.—
Stuart James,
New York Times,
29 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Brew a pot of dark-roasted coffee to make your kitchen smell pleasant.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
10 Oct. 2025
-
Instead of colorful foliage and leaf-peeping, an autumnal escape here means uncrowded beaches, pleasant temperatures in the mid-80s, and a wealth of cultural programming and events, many of which are free.—
Lauren Dana Ellman,
Travel + Leisure,
10 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
How did these ideas influence public health policies, medical education, or patient care?—
JSTOR Daily,
JSTOR Daily,
11 Oct. 2025
-
The evacuation was carried out swiftly to ensure patient safety amid concerns about the structure.—
Shane Croucher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
10 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Senior editor Joe Sevier lauded the gentler white flower aromas and flavors.—
Sam Stone,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
10 Oct. 2025
-
Friends remember her as a gentle soul, who loved the piano, and a loyal Kennedy.—
Virginia Chamlee,
PEOPLE,
10 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Lenient.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lenient. Accessed 13 Oct. 2025.
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