clemency

noun

clem·en·cy ˈkle-mən(t)-sē

plural clemencies

Synonyms of clemency next

: disposition to be merciful and especially to moderate the severity of punishment due

The judge ignored the prisoner's pleas for clemency.

: an act or instance of leniency

The governor's clemencies saved the lives of many death-row prisoners.

: pleasant mildness of weather

The fair was a great success, owing to the clemency of the weather.

Choose the Right Synonym for clemency

mercy, charity, clemency, grace, leniency mean a disposition to show kindness or compassion.

mercy implies compassion that forbears punishing even when justice demands it.

threw himself on the mercy of the court

charity stresses benevolence and goodwill shown in broad understanding and tolerance of others.

show a little charity for the less fortunate

clemency implies a mild or merciful disposition in one having the power or duty of punishing.

the judge refused to show clemency

grace implies a benign attitude and a willingness to grant favors or make concessions.

by the grace of God

leniency implies lack of severity in punishing.

criticized the courts for excessive leniency

Examples of clemency in a Sentence

The President has granted clemency to several people this month. the judge chose to show clemency to the truly repentant embezzler

Recent Examples on the Web Then the conversation turns to Kim, who, in 2018, visited him in the Oval Office and persuaded him to grant clemency to a woman named Alice Marie Johnson, who was serving life in prison for a 1996 arrest for cocaine trafficking. —

Ramin Setoodeh, Washington Post, 17 June 2024 Missouri was planning to carry out its second execution of the year on Tuesday after Gov. Mike Parson denied a request for clemency filed by inmate David Hosier. —

Emily Mae Czachor, CBS News, 11 June 2024 Her first legal success came when Kardashian successfully campaigned for the clemency of grandmother Alice Marie Johnson, who was sentenced to life in prison for a nonviolent offense. —

Esther Kang, Peoplemag, 5 June 2024 Peltier remains in prison and only presidential clemency can free him, but every president for decades has refused to act. —

Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 21 Apr. 2024 See all Example Sentences for clemency

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'clemency.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

see clement

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler

The first known use of clemency was in the 15th century

See more words from the same century

Articles Related to clemency

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“Clemency.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/clemency. Accessed 7 Jul. 2024.

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Kids Definition

clemency

noun

clem·en·cy ˈklem-ən-sē

plural clemencies

: disposition to be merciful

: an act or instance of mercy

Legal Definition

clemency

noun

clem·en·cy ˈkle-mən-sē

plural clemencies

: willingness or ability to moderate the severity of a punishment (as a sentence)

: an act or instance of mercy, compassion, or forgiveness see also amnesty, commute, pardon, reprieve

Last Updated: 29 Jun 2024 - Updated example sentences

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clemency

noun

Synonyms

Examples of clemency in a Sentence

Word History

Dictionary Entries Near clemency

Cite this Entry

Kids Definition

Legal Definition