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 parents also are concerned about whether discipline was issued fairly, claiming students from wealthy families or who are related to school employees received lenient punishments.
—
Rebecca Noel, Charlotte Observer, 12 May 2026
Others have criticized the White House for taking a vindictive approach and targeting Democratic states that may have larger Medicaid populations and more lenient eligibility requirements.
—Editorial, Boston Herald, 30 Apr. 2026
The lenient return policy is a major perk of being a member.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 27 Apr. 2026
Even that punishment would be too lenient.
—Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 26 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for lenient
Rebecca Noel, Charlotte Observer, 12 May 2026
Others have criticized the White House for taking a vindictive approach and targeting Democratic states that may have larger Medicaid populations and more lenient eligibility requirements.
—Editorial, Boston Herald, 30 Apr. 2026
The lenient return policy is a major perk of being a member.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 27 Apr. 2026
Even that punishment would be too lenient.
—Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 26 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for lenient
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lenient
Adjective
-
Avenatti isn’t sympathetic to Bankman-Fried’s appeals.—
Camila Grigera Naon,
Fortune,
9 June 2026
-
Even some people who are sympathetic to Carl’s concerns see problems with his prescription.—
Thomas Chatterton Williams,
The Atlantic,
8 June 2026
Adjective
-
And that’s what drove me creatively — to be authentic, but to be compassionate.—
Antonia Blyth,
Deadline,
10 June 2026
-
The unconscious Moon in your 8th House of Intimacy forms a graceful trine with compassionate Venus in your 12th House of Solitude, inviting release without drama.—
Tarot.com,
Chicago Tribune,
8 June 2026
Adjective
-
The service The service is formal, but friendly and attentive, and the concierge showed an enthusiastic passion for the city that created moments for interest and exploration beyond the Guggenheim.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
11 June 2026
-
There will also be activities for all ages, including youth soccer clinics, family-friendly games, refreshments, halftime snacks and inflatable attractions such as a giant soccer dart game.—
Summer Lin,
Los Angeles Times,
10 June 2026
Adjective
-
That painful night in Dallas now feels merciful, compared with what this Avs team just experienced.—
Corey Masisak,
Denver Post,
27 May 2026
-
As the sun began to peek over the hillside, offering a merciful burst of warmth, Alonso Abugattas called this year’s Trillium Trek to order.—
Ashley Stimpson,
Washington Post,
11 May 2026
Adjective
-
The Bravoverse is a largely forgiving community.—
Kate Aurthur,
Variety,
11 June 2026
-
Even so, if Cristian Romero can get healthy, the Argentina starting IX is world-class, and their group is more forgiving than most.—
Kellis Robinett,
Kansas City Star,
11 June 2026
Adjective
-
And then the 1970s British folk rock gives way to a less pleasant auditory landscape, as the hum appears, bringing on headaches and nosebleeds and affecting her concentration and mood, her work and family.—
Television Critic,
Los Angeles Times,
12 June 2026
-
There's the pleasant experience of interacting with them.—
Gili Malinsky,
CNBC,
12 June 2026
Adjective
-
Your patient discipline works best with warmth, and small adjustments create solid comfort that supports your long-term goals without draining your energy.—
Tarot.com,
Hartford Courant,
11 June 2026
-
Vic asked with patient resignation.—
Fred Bear,
Outdoor Life,
11 June 2026
Adjective
-
Sarnoski’s version likewise recasts the female character as a benevolent force, and is largely stripped of romance — though permits itself a streak of sentimentality in a subplot concerning the grizzled outlaw’s gentle bond with a young girl.—
Guy Lodge,
Variety,
11 June 2026
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The research is clear that a familiar, gentle fragrance can slow breathing, soften stress and turn a room into a memory.—
Lauren Jarvis-Gibson,
Miami Herald,
11 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Lenient.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lenient. Accessed 14 Jun. 2026.
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