Synonym Chooser

How does the noun clemency differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of clemency are charity, grace, leniency, and mercy. While all these words mean "a disposition to show kindness or compassion," clemency implies a mild or merciful disposition in one having the power or duty of punishing.

the judge refused to show clemency

When would charity be a good substitute for clemency?

While the synonyms charity and clemency are close in meaning, charity stresses benevolence and goodwill shown in broad understanding and tolerance of others.

show a little charity for the less fortunate

In what contexts can grace take the place of clemency?

The synonyms grace and clemency are sometimes interchangeable, but grace implies a benign attitude and a willingness to grant favors or make concessions.

by the grace of God

When is it sensible to use leniency instead of clemency?

Although the words leniency and clemency have much in common, leniency implies lack of severity in punishing.

criticized the courts for excessive leniency

When is mercy a more appropriate choice than clemency?

While in some cases nearly identical to clemency, mercy implies compassion that forbears punishing even when justice demands it.

threw himself on the mercy of the court

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 clemency But no South Carolina governor has offered clemency in the 47 executions in the state since the death penalty resumed in the U.S. in 1976. Jeffrey Collins, Los Angeles Times, 28 Mar. 2025 The administration started dismantling it when the president granted clemency to nearly 1,600 defendants charged in connection with the storming of the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. Hannah Allam, ProPublica, 20 Mar. 2025 On the clemency front, Gov. Gavin Newsom last month requested the parole board assess what risk the brothers would pose if they are indeed released. Marlene Lenthang, NBC News, 11 Mar. 2025 President Trump continued on his roll of granting clemency Monday, pardoning a former associate of Hunter Biden as well as a Jan. 6 defendant. Sareen Habeshian, Axios, 31 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for clemency

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Cite this Entry

“Clemency.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clemency. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.

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