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
Indyke also helped secure a lenient work-release program for Epstein by vouching for his employment, allowing Epstein to leave the jail for up to 16 hours a day, ABC News reported in 2021.
—
Peter Charalambous, ABC News, 19 Mar. 2026
If held responsible for the murder, the minor, who is now 14, faces 8 months in a youth ranch program — a possible sentence that San Jose’s police chief and Santa Clara County’s district attorney also complain is too lenient.
—Julia Prodis Sulek, Mercury News, 17 Mar. 2026
Peters’ sentence is appropriate, and Lewis’ sentence should involve prison time as well, not just community service hours — that is much too lenient.
—Dp Opinion, Denver Post, 14 Mar. 2026
Peffer admitted to a lapse in judgment, but the Supreme Court has yet to decide whether to accept the JQC’s recommendation or opt for a more lenient, or severe, penalty.
—Rafael Olmeda, Sun Sentinel, 12 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for lenient
Peter Charalambous, ABC News, 19 Mar. 2026
If held responsible for the murder, the minor, who is now 14, faces 8 months in a youth ranch program — a possible sentence that San Jose’s police chief and Santa Clara County’s district attorney also complain is too lenient.
—Julia Prodis Sulek, Mercury News, 17 Mar. 2026
Peters’ sentence is appropriate, and Lewis’ sentence should involve prison time as well, not just community service hours — that is much too lenient.
—Dp Opinion, Denver Post, 14 Mar. 2026
Peffer admitted to a lapse in judgment, but the Supreme Court has yet to decide whether to accept the JQC’s recommendation or opt for a more lenient, or severe, penalty.
—Rafael Olmeda, Sun Sentinel, 12 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for lenient
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lenient
Adjective
-
The sympathetic Moon embraces restrictive Saturn in your 7th House of Connections, asking for agreements across romantic, platonic, professional, or family bonds.—
Tarot.com,
Chicago Tribune,
15 Apr. 2026
-
In the audience, even some of Vance’s sympathetic listeners offered caveats and critiques.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
15 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
With a team of neonatologists, specialized NICU nurses, and support staff, the NICU offers around-the-clock care, advanced medical technology, and a compassionate environment, giving families peace of mind.—
MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center,
Oc Register,
16 Apr. 2026
-
The family of a West Chester University student killed in a weekend crash is remembering him as a compassionate young man who always put others first.—
Madeleine Wright,
CBS News,
15 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
As a 5-footer, my favorite part is that the pants are available in a petite-friendly inseam, along with four other inseam options, limiting the need for alterations.—
Melony Forcier,
PEOPLE,
15 Apr. 2026
-
The Harlem Wizards are a high-energy basketball team known for combining athleticism, comedy, and crowd engagement in an entertaining, family-friendly game.—
Stephanie Ogilvie,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
15 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Ever since Jimmy Butler tore his ACL in January, the only reprieve from this slog of a campaign has been the promise of a swift, merciful end.—
Dieter Kurtenbach,
Mercury News,
13 Apr. 2026
-
Guthrie and her siblings recorded videos, pleading for news, for help, for a merciful change of heart from whoever had absconded with their mom.—
Vinson Cunningham,
New Yorker,
1 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
But while gardening is a relatively forgiving process that can be adjusted over time, there are certain spring gardening do’s and don’ts that may dramatically alter the health of your plants and your garden for the entire growing season.—
Lauren Landers,
Better Homes & Gardens,
11 Apr. 2026
-
Cherry tomatoes are more forgiving than larger varieties and tend to produce reliably.—
Lauren Jarvis-Gibson,
Charlotte Observer,
24 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
The band's courtesy visit was a pleasant break for Japan's first female leader, known for her long working hours and now struggling with strained diplomatic ties with China, the fallouts from the war in the Middle East as well as rising prices at home.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
10 Apr. 2026
-
The band’s courtesy visit was a pleasant break for Japan’s first female leader, known for her long working hours and now struggling with strained diplomatic ties with China, the fallouts from the war in the Middle East as well as rising prices at home.—
Mari Yamaguchi,
Fortune,
10 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Your patient nature handles details well, while kindness helps everyone at home feel included in the plan and willing to contribute.—
Tarot.com,
Hartford Courant,
17 Apr. 2026
-
Davidson has been a patient figure in the Hawks front office, electing for a draft-heavy route to rebuild the team.—
Kalen Lumpkins,
Chicago Tribune,
16 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
It’s made with glycerin and amino acids and acts as a very gentle cleanser.—
BestReviews,
Mercury News,
16 Apr. 2026
-
The pounding dembow riddims boldly crash into electro pop, rock, and trap, interspersed with gentle waves crashing and lyrics about lovers who never pulled up.—
E.R. Pulgar,
Pitchfork,
16 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Lenient.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lenient. Accessed 17 Apr. 2026.
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