leniency
noun
le·nien·cy
ˈlē-nē-ən(t)-sē 
-nyən(t)-sē
plural leniencies
1
: the quality or state of being lenient
the leniency of the punishment
2
: a lenient disposition or practice
The prisoner asked the judge for leniency.
Synonyms
Examples of leniency in a Sentence
the defense requested leniency in light of their client's lack of a prior criminal record
Recent Examples on the Web
The attorneys based much of their request for leniency on the influence of Taub, a Bay Area nudism activist who recently served time in state prison for trying to abduct a 14-year-old boy in Berkeley.
—
Hannah Wiley, Los Angeles Times, 17 May 2024
Jews involved in terror attacks against Arabs over the past decades have received substantial leniency, which has included reductions in prison time, anemic investigations and pardons.
—Mark Mazzetti, New York Times, 16 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for leniency 
Hannah Wiley, Los Angeles Times, 17 May 2024
Jews involved in terror attacks against Arabs over the past decades have received substantial leniency, which has included reductions in prison time, anemic investigations and pardons.
—Mark Mazzetti, New York Times, 16 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for leniency
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'leniency.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“Leniency.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/leniency. Accessed 23 May. 2024.
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leniency
noun
le·nien·cy
ˈlē-nē-ən-sē
-nyən-sē
: the quality or state of being lenient
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