lenity

noun

ˈle-nə-tē How to pronounce lenity (audio)
Definition of lenitynext
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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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 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
  1. mercy
  2. leniency
  3. clemency
Noun
  • The Hitlerite hordes are murdering and outraging the peaceful inhabitants of our country, having no mercy on women, children or old people.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Daemon, on Ceraxes, tracks down his daughter on Sheepstealer and pleads with her again to remain hidden or avail herself of Rhaenyra’s mercy.
    — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of mercy
Noun
  • His guilty plea came with no agreement from the state to agree to leniency.
    — Rafael Olmeda, Sun Sentinel, 7 Aug. 2026
  • At sentencing, Barua’s wife, who is Singh’s sister, asked for leniency.
    — Samira Asma-Sadeque, PEOPLE, 31 July 2026
Definition of leniency
Noun
  • Last month, the board voted 3-1 against recommending clemency for Cuesta-Rodriguez.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Trump has taken issue with other Biden pardons Trump has frequently invoked the president's clemency power.
    — Joey Garrison, USA Today, 30 July 2026
Definition of clemency

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lenity
lensman
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Cite this Entry

“Lenity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lenity. Accessed 16 Aug. 2026.

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