lenient

adjective

Definition of lenientnext
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

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 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 Some Palestinians and human rights groups had described Azaria’s sentence as far too lenient. — Cara Anna, Los Angeles Times, 20 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for lenient
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lenient
  1. sympathetic
  2. compassionate
  3. friendly
  4. merciful
  5. forgiving
  6. pleasant
  7. patient
  8. gentle
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
  • The far left's open borders policy was not fair or compassionate.
    — WCCO Staff, CBS News, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Judges could sometimes consider changes to the law when deciding whether to grant compassionate release to inmates who had served at least 10 years.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 11 Oct. 2026
Definition of compassionate
Adjective
  • Folks in Europe can get the 900 in an A2-friendly configuration that limits its power output.
    — Abhimanyu Ghoshal, New Atlas, 14 Oct. 2026
  • Wisely, our Fathers chose a secular people-friendly format not subject to papal or evangelical or ayatollah decree.
    — Letters to the Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of friendly
Adjective
  • 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
  • Soon, an Angels’ season filled with firings, turmoil and loss after loss after loss will come to its merciful conclusion.
    — Ken Rosenthal, New York Times, 11 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
  • Star Ratings overhaul and new marketing rules CMS is executing a structural overhaul of its Star Ratings program for 2027, removing 11 administrative metrics to focus on clinical quality, health outcomes, and patient experience.
    — Cindy Krischer Goodman, Sun Sentinel, 14 Oct. 2026
  • Two of Kariem’s former students described him as joyful, patient and an inspiration.
    — Karina Tsui, CNN Money, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of patient
Adjective
  • The duo launches alongside a tapered blending brush designed for gentle, precise application on the delicate skin under your eyes.
    — Maggie Ryan, Flow Space, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Those stories are so gentle and yet so compelling, and the artwork is so beautiful and inviting.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of gentle

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leniency
lenient
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Cite this Entry

“Lenient.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lenient. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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