as in sympathetic
allowing a lot of freedom and not punishing bad behavior in a strong way
a teacher who is lenient with students who have misbehaved The public was outraged by the lenient sentence the corrupt banker received.
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Recent Examples of lenient
Dozens of shops continued or opened unlicensed, while the city was criticized as being too lenient and slow in its enforcement.
—
Anna Spiegel, Axios, 24 Apr. 2025
Any hazardous dirt in California must be trucked there, or exported to landfills in neighboring states that rely on the more lenient federal standards.
—Tony Briscoe, Los Angeles Times, 16 May 2025
While collaborative frameworks can foster innovation and flexibility, overly lenient or ambitious regulatory environments risk enabling greenwashing and superficial compliance.
—Ali Hoss, Forbes.com, 7 May 2025
Numerous sources say such tariffs, depending upon how they were calculated, could devastate the film industry, along with television, considering how many shows and movies are shot overseas because of more lenient tax breaks and production incentives.
—Pamela McClintock, HollywoodReporter, 6 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for lenient
Anna Spiegel, Axios, 24 Apr. 2025
Any hazardous dirt in California must be trucked there, or exported to landfills in neighboring states that rely on the more lenient federal standards.
—Tony Briscoe, Los Angeles Times, 16 May 2025
While collaborative frameworks can foster innovation and flexibility, overly lenient or ambitious regulatory environments risk enabling greenwashing and superficial compliance.
—Ali Hoss, Forbes.com, 7 May 2025
Numerous sources say such tariffs, depending upon how they were calculated, could devastate the film industry, along with television, considering how many shows and movies are shot overseas because of more lenient tax breaks and production incentives.
—Pamela McClintock, HollywoodReporter, 6 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for lenient
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lenient
Adjective
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As the only one with a sense of humor and a semblance of perspective, Jeff is the most sympathetic of this toxic crew.—
Robert Lloyd,
Los Angeles Times,
30 May 2025
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The Trump administration has framed support for Palestinians — which Khalil’s grandparents were — as antisemitic and sympathetic to Hamas, a U.S.-designated terrorist organization.—
Molly Crane-Newman,
New York Daily News,
29 May 2025
Adjective
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One way to initiate a more intentional approach to developing people-centric leaders is to explore the compassionate leadership toolkit, which includes a free assessment, and consider attending WorkHuman’s next conference for educational and morale purposes.—
Laurel Donnellan,
Forbes.com,
28 May 2025
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This can help the development of more conscious leadership and the formation of compassionate teams.—
Nia Bowers,
USA Today,
28 May 2025
Adjective
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The family friendly festival from noon to 6:30 p.m. will feature bands performing Americana, rock, hip hop, blues and folk.—
Regina Elling,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
4 June 2025
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During public remarks in 2022, Justice Elena Kagan – one of the court’s three liberal justices − spoke out against sweeping injunctions and the ability of challengers to find one friendly judge to issue such an order.—
Maureen Groppe,
USA Today,
12 May 2025
Adjective
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If 10 percent of people are going to be cruel no matter what and 10 percent will be merciful no matter what, then the greatest battle of our lives, the real one, is not good versus evil.—
Stephanie Dillon,
Rolling Stone,
23 May 2025
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The Celtics met a merciful end at Madison Square Garden last night, 119-81, and now have a lot to figure out: Tatum will miss a consequential period in his career.—
Sam Settleman,
New York Times,
17 May 2025
Adjective
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Prosecutors were less forgiving of McIver, who was filmed clashing with officers.—
Brian Niemietz,
New York Daily News,
20 May 2025
-
The feather-light fabric feels like silk, but, unlike the fragile material, these pants are a lot more forgiving, packable, and cost-effective.—
Isis Briones,
Travel + Leisure,
17 May 2025
Adjective
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Make sure to learn about Filipino values, avoid superiority, and be a pleasant neighbor in this country that is welcoming you.—
Kathleen Peddicord,
Forbes.com,
28 May 2025
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View 7 Images The Tiffin GH1 all-terrain camper van was one of the most pleasant RV surprises of 2024.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
27 May 2025
Adjective
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Healthcare institutions that embrace integrated care platforms reduce errors, improve outcomes and enhance patient satisfaction.—
Andrew Pecora,
Forbes.com,
3 June 2025
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This suggests that while there may be patient circumstances where methylene blue is beneficial, researchers have not yet pinned down what those are.—
Lorne J. Hofseth,
The Conversation,
3 June 2025
Adjective
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Bruce Banner / Hulk Though he’s known for quick temper, this gentle green giant, clad in bright purple pants, has dedicated to using his super strength to help Spidey and his friends as a friend, not a foe.—
Sarah Scott,
Parents,
30 May 2025
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Imagine waking up to the gentle hum of the ocean at your doorstep or enjoying breakfast in a beachfront suite.—
AFAR Media,
AFAR Media,
30 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Lenient.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lenient. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.
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