clemency

[klem-uhn-see]

noun

plural

clemencies 

1. the quality of being clement; disposition to show forbearance, compassion, or forgiveness in judging or punishing; leniency; mercy.

   Synonyms: mercifulness, gentleness, forgivingness
   Antonyms: harshness

2. an act or deed showing mercy or leniency.

3. (of the weather) mildness or temperateness.

   Antonyms: severity

clemency

/ ˈklɛmənsɪ /

noun

1. mercy or leniency

2. mildness, esp of the weather

Other Word Forms

• overclemency noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of clemency¹

1375–1425; late Middle English (< Anglo-French ) < Latin clēmentia. See clement, -cy

Word History and Origins

Origin of clemency¹

C15: from Latin clēmentia, from clēmēns gentle

Example Sentences

The high court’s decision leaves Maxwell with little recourse beyond seeking clemency from the president.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

The 67-year-old's conditional release after five years in prison has angered left-wing parties, arguing the judiciary should not have shown clemency.

Read more on BBC

California Governor Gavin Newsom is examining a separate request to offer the brothers clemency - possibly in the form of a pardon.

Read more on BBC

Apart from parole and clemency, the brothers have also asked a new trial due to additional evidence being discovered in the case.

Read more on BBC

While Newsom hasn’t publicly commented on the case — and has separately considered granting the brothers’ clemency — his track record on high-profile parole cases doesn’t bode well for the brothers.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• compassion 
• indulgence 
• leniency 
• mercy 

When To Use

what does clemency mean?

Clemency is mercy or the quality of being lenient.Clemency is most commonly used in a legal context for situations in which a prisoner is officially pardoned or has their sentence shortened.Example: The governor has granted her clemency, meaning she will be released early.