LENITIES Synonyms: 108 Similar and Opposite Words

lenity

noun

ˈle-nə-tē

Definition of lenity

as in mercy

kind, gentle, or compassionate treatment especially towards someone who is undeserving of it a social critic who argues that judicial lenity is chiefly to blame for the increased criminality that plagues us

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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 lenity The majority’s treatment of the rule of lenity also strikes a slightly sour note. — The Insider, Forbes, 15 Apr. 2021 If the rule of lenity applies here, then Butler should not be charged with a hate crime. — Mark Joseph Stern, Slate Magazine, 25 Apr. 2017

Recent Examples of Synonyms for lenity

Noun

Showing mercy to murderers historically has not been popular with voters.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 2026
Take-Two would show CL no mercy —why should CL show any to them?

— Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of mercy

Noun

Johnson did not show leniency toward Gardner, whose guilty plea enabled him to avoid a trial that likely could have resulted in testimony from his underage victims.

— Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 15 Oct. 2026
Meanwhile Reitzas asked the court for leniency by pointing out her career and advocacy work.

— Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of leniency

Noun

Advocates for clemency have likewise urged Newsom to act, citing inequities and the risk of wrongful convictions.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 2026
The president has also frequently used his pardon power to grant clemency to political allies and people who — like him — argue they were wrongly prosecuted.

— Joe Walsh, CBS News, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of clemency

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Leninites

lenity

lensman

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

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Synonyms of lenity

noun

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