leniency

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

In a stroke of luck, he drew a judge known for leniency.

From Slate • Mar. 25, 2026

“I think that we have gone a little bit too far in allowing leniency and trying to be compassionate,” he said, “and sometimes maybe forgetting what it was that victims went through.”

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 25, 2026

Lai did not submit a letter during sentencing arguments asking the court for leniency, according to local media.

From Barron's • Feb. 8, 2026

He no doubt is hoping for leniency in sentencing.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 30, 2026

The nineteenth-century prescriptivist Richard White had no luck banning standpoint and washtub, nor did his contemporary William Cullen Bryant succeed in outlawing commence, compete, lengthy, and leniency.

From "The Sense of Style" by Steven Pinker