as in mercy
kind, gentle, or compassionate treatment especially towards someone who is undeserving of it
the judge chose to show clemency to the truly repentant embezzler
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Recent Examples of clemency
Governor Gavin Newsom said the brothers are scheduled to appear before a parole board in June, which will determine whether they should be considered for clemency.
—
Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Apr. 2025
Illinois still has other pathways for people in prison to seek early release, including clemency from the governor and post-conviction claims alleging a prisoner’s constitutional rights were violated during trial.
—Jeremy Gorner, Chicago Tribune, 11 Apr. 2025
Zoom in: Watson learned that he was granted clemency while on a flight on his way to serve his nearly 10-year prison sentence, according to his spokesperson, Juda Engelmayer.
—Sara Fischer, Axios, 29 Mar. 2025
Biden Pardons: In an unorthodox move, Ed Martin, the interim U.S. attorney in Washington, is questioning former President Biden’s family and former White House officials about clemency.
—Zachary Small, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for clemency
Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Apr. 2025
Illinois still has other pathways for people in prison to seek early release, including clemency from the governor and post-conviction claims alleging a prisoner’s constitutional rights were violated during trial.
—Jeremy Gorner, Chicago Tribune, 11 Apr. 2025
Zoom in: Watson learned that he was granted clemency while on a flight on his way to serve his nearly 10-year prison sentence, according to his spokesperson, Juda Engelmayer.
—Sara Fischer, Axios, 29 Mar. 2025
Biden Pardons: In an unorthodox move, Ed Martin, the interim U.S. attorney in Washington, is questioning former President Biden’s family and former White House officials about clemency.
—Zachary Small, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for clemency
Recent Examples of Synonyms for clemency
Noun
-
The current drift toward authoritarian leaders in this fractured world will leave international relations at the mercy of their whims, dreams, and follies.—
Margaret MacMillan,
The Atlantic,
30 Apr. 2025
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In an age where mercy often feels in short supply, Francis insisted there was no bottom to God's well of forgiveness.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
26 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
But there would be no love shown by Melody at her sentencing when she was given the opportunity to express remorse and ask the judge for leniency.—
Susan Mallie,
CBS News,
26 Apr. 2025
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Some face strict policy enforcement, while others receive leniency for the same infractions.—
Caroline Castrillon,
Forbes.com,
16 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Clemency.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clemency. Accessed 9 May. 2025.
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