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 For gardeners who have been slightly more lenient in their control efforts, this means that populations already present are now likely to become significantly more substantial, with a core breeding population already large to begin with. — Anthony Reardon, Kansas City Star, 20 June 2026 But the lenient touch toward one of the game’s worst violations reflects a problem that’s only continuing to grow in the broader sports world. — Jemele Hill, The Atlantic, 19 June 2026 Yet that’s a bit more lenient than the American EPA test cycle. — Tim Stevens, Robb Report, 19 June 2026 Even the most lenient parents often set boundaries on what their children watch. — Parents, 16 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for lenient

Recent Examples of Synonyms for lenient

Adjective

If nothing else, Patriot Front offers sympathetic groups intent on violence a valuable pool of potential recruits.

— Ali Breland, The Atlantic, 8 July 2026
The Cuban resolution passed with the support of several African and Asian countries, Cuba’s traditional allies like China and Russia as well as other sympathetic governments in Europe (Spain), Latin America (Colombia, Mexico), and the Caribbean.

— Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 7 July 2026

Definition of sympathetic

Adjective

In your 12th House of Solitude, compassionate Venus trines vulnerable Chiron in your 8th House of Intimacy and Shared Resources, aligning reflection with deeper trust.

— Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 10 July 2026
Grossman’s soldiers might not be tidy paragons of bravery, but they’re portrayed with an unwavering, compassionate regard.

— Madeleine Wulfahrt, New Yorker, 8 July 2026

Definition of compassionate

Adjective

Just when a dreadful day was approaching a merciful end, the chants from the remaining crowd at Citi Field poked fun at the New York Mets’ mess in a way boos cannot match with ridicule.

— Will Sammon, New York Times, 25 June 2026
That painful night in Dallas now feels merciful, compared with what this Avs team just experienced.

— Corey Masisak, Denver Post, 27 May 2026

Definition of merciful

Adjective

In just over half those states, the more forgiving deadlines apply only to ballots cast by military and overseas voters.

— Mark Sherman, Chicago Tribune, 29 June 2026
The World Cup’s new, forgiving format allows the top eight of the 12 third-place teams, like third-place South Korea (1-0-2), to move on to knockout play with as few as three points.

— Andrew Greif, NBC news, 26 June 2026

Definition of forgiving

Adjective

Cecchi recommends visiting from April to June or alternatively in September or October, when the weather is pleasant and the city feels slightly less crowded.

— Roger Sands, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026
Most people can recover on their own, although the symptoms aren’t pleasant, says Yancey.

— Alice Park, Time, 8 July 2026

Definition of pleasant

Adjective

To protect patient privacy, the state public health department does not disclose where in the state the patients reside.

— Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2026
For example, rural healthcare providers might offer remote patient monitoring to enable continuous management of chronic conditions, potentially reducing hospitalizations and improving outcomes.

— Sas Mukherjee, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026

Definition of patient

Adjective

The luxurious washes and soaps are gentle on skin for a clean, nourished feeling.

— ABC News, ABC News, 6 July 2026
Everywhere, in big cities and small towns, there’s an increase in the adultification of children, even the well-off ones, even the ones raised by gentle parents, even the ones with skate and surf camps, guitar lessons, and college funds.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 6 July 2026

Definition of gentle

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“Lenient.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lenient. Accessed 13 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of lenient

adjective

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