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Definition of leniency

leniency

/ˈliːniənsi/
le · ni · en · cy
Adverb:leniently
•
Plural:leniencies
•
Adjective:lenient
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leniency Lexical Profile

leniency Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The quality or fact of being more merciful, tolerant, or forgiving than expected, especially in judging or punishing an offense.

Example

"The defense attorney asked the judge to show leniency because it was the defendant's first offense."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
View all antonyms for leniency

• Nearby Words

lengthwise
lengthy
lenience
leniency
lenient
leniently
lenin

Word Origin & Etymology

Derived from the adjective 'lenient', which comes from the Latin 'lenientem', the present participle of 'lenire' (to soften, soothe, or mitigate), from 'lenis' (soft or mild).

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Leniency. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/leniency
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