Definitions

lenient

[lee-nee-uhnt, leen-yuhnt] / ˈli ni ənt, ˈlin yənt /

ADJECTIVE

permissive

Synonyms

STRONGEST

benign compassionate compliant forgiving indulgent sympathetic tolerant

WEAK

allowing amiable assuaging assuasive being big benignant charitable clement complaisant condoning easy easygoing emollient excusing favoring forbearing gentle going easy on good-natured humoring kind kindly letting live with loving merciful mild mollycoddling obliging pampering pardoning permitting soft soft-shell softhearted sparing spoiling tender yielding

Antonyms

STRONGEST

hateful merciless

WEAK

hard intolerant limiting restrictive rigorous severe

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.

The Attorney General now has 28 days under the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme to decide whether to ask the Court of Appeal to look into the sentence.

From BBC • Jun. 2, 2026

The Attorney General, Victoria Prentis KC MP, said the case "shocked a nation", so it was "no surprise" she received a number of referrals under the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme.

From BBC • Feb. 20, 2024

His initial sentence of 12 years was increased to 18 years under the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme.

From BBC • Apr. 20, 2023

The Attorney General's office said it had been asked to review the case under the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme.

From BBC • Mar. 28, 2023

Lenient as Father Vianney was towards others, he was correspondingly severe with himself.

From The Life of Blessed John B. Marie Vianney, Curé of Ars With a Novena and Litany to this Zealous Worker in the Vineyard of the Lord by Anonymous

Vocabulary lists containing lenient

List 3

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Refugee

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A Doll's House

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