LENIENT Synonyms: 119 Similar and Opposite Words

lenient

adjective

Definition of lenient

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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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 Another talented crop has migrated over this season, but the NCAA appears less lenient about letting professional players through the eligibility door. — Cj Moore, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2026 Colorado took a more lenient course, allowing brewing companies to wholesale their own products directly to licensed retailers. — Aldo Svaldi, Denver Post, 1 Oct. 2026 Supporters of Proposition 132 say lenient criminal penalties are among the reasons. — Shaun Boyd, CBS News, 29 Sep. 2026 Centers instead would abide by their state's early learning regulations, which are often more lenient. — ABC News, 29 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for lenient

Recent Examples of Synonyms for lenient

Adjective

So the landlord was sympathetic to the cause and the idea of having a bookstore here.

— Marc Weingarten, Los Angeles Times, 17 Oct. 2026
Don’t worry, the breakdown starts in a hurry and Cardellini is terrifying, if perhaps not as sympathetic as the series requires long-term.

— Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of sympathetic

Adjective

Others discussed overcoming the initial awkwardness of the work and finding satisfaction in helping doctors become more competent and compassionate.

— Daniel Hunt, Sacbee.com, 18 Oct. 2026
At the same time, the lawsuits contend that chatbots are pretending to be agreeable and compassionate while preying on the vulnerable and on teenagers, the first generation to grow up with artificial intelligence.

— Marc Levy, Fortune, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of compassionate

Adjective

Crucially, Muse—which comes with a cuddly avatar—was designed by Meta to be beginner-friendly, and to win over people unfamiliar with AI.

— Andrew R. Chow, Time, 22 Oct. 2026
Scores from the law firm are calculated by analyzing the number of cyclist victims, change in victim rate and bicycle-friendly community recognition.

— Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of friendly

Adjective

In this sense, there is a distinct possibility the spear wound was a final, merciful act by someone close to them.

— Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 15 Oct. 2026
The merciful conclusion of this horrific season officially ends the Mike Krukow era in the Giants broadcast booth.

— Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 28 Sep. 2026

Definition of merciful

Adjective

On ordinary days, the loop is a training ground for runners and cyclists, and an unusually forgiving place for beginners and families.

— Rick Maese, Washington Post, 30 Sep. 2026
Timeless, versatile, and chic, barn jackets strike the right balance between casual and polished while having a looser, more forgiving silhouette that can easily be layered with a sweater, blouse, or long-sleeve shirt on chilly days.

— Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 24 Sep. 2026

Definition of forgiving

Adjective

The pleasant drop, although not quite sweater weather, does come with some risks on the water with wind and rough conditions on the beach.

— Miami Herald Staff Report, Miami Herald, 19 Oct. 2026
The home's standout feature is that large porch, which really boosts living space and looks like a pleasant place to host guests.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of pleasant

Adjective

After a patient day of defrosting in the fridge, the best part is the pale green marzipan exterior.

— Alex Beggs, Bon Appetit Magazine, 21 Oct. 2026
Work hour restrictions can’t stand up to the competing pressures of completing the necessary number of procedures to become a safe and competent surgeon while covering other patient care duties.

— Arifeen Rahman, STAT, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of patient

Adjective

Some gentle chemical sunscreens to try include Beauty of Joseon’s Day Dew Sunscreen or the Supergoop!

— Audrey Noble, Vogue, 24 Oct. 2026
The movie is replete with long moments of silence, intense stares and gentle teasing and probing among the four that can feel particularly electric to some viewers.

— David Mack, CNN Money, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of gentle

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“Lenient.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lenient. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of lenient

adjective

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