clemency
Americannoun
plural
clemencies-
the quality of being clement; disposition to show forbearance, compassion, or forgiveness in judging or punishing; leniency; mercy.
- Synonyms:
- mercifulness, gentleness, forgivingness
- Antonyms:
- harshness
-
an act or deed showing mercy or leniency.
-
(of the weather) mildness or temperateness.
- Antonyms:
- severity
noun
-
mercy or leniency
-
mildness, esp of the weather
Usage
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.
Other Word Forms
- overclemency noun
Etymology
Origin of clemency
1375–1425; late Middle English (< Anglo-French ) < Latin clēmentia. See clement, -cy
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.
Within days of the interview, which was perceived in part as a ploy for clemency by Maxwell, she was moved to a minimum-security camp in Texas.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 2, 2026
Milton said that relationship played no role in his trial or clemency.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 18, 2026
“That is not unusual in complex cases involving ongoing appeals, potential clemency review, and administrative proceedings.”
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 11, 2026
But the cases—and lives—of Tremane Wood and Charles Burton are ones where clemency is necessary.
From Slate • Mar. 6, 2026
“Have state or federal officials offered you immunity or clemency if you changed your plea?”
From "Killers of the Flower Moon" by David Grann
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
