lenient

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.

She appealed the verdict in the hope of clearing her name, while prosecutors also did so arguing that the sentence was too lenient and the acquittals were wrongful.

From Barron's • Apr. 28, 2026

Federal regulations around e-bikes are lenient; they are considered nonmotorized vehicles like regular bikes and don’t require riders to have driver’s licenses or insurance.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 14, 2026

Sangha's lawyers in March requested the judge to issue a more lenient sentence, arguing she had "accepted responsibility for serious criminal conduct" and did not have a prior record.

From BBC • Apr. 8, 2026

Instead, Lee says that students are more interested in addressing course engagement and rigor—particularly in courses called “gems,” which is Harvard slang for classes that offer a light workload and lenient grading.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

His mother would be furious under normal circumstances, but ever since the accident she’d been far more lenient with him.

From "The Boy Who Met a Whale" by Nizrana Farook