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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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
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Hussain has a friendly, reassuring presence, making the already-simple recipes even less intimidating.—
Katie Rife,
EW.com,
11 May 2025
Adjective
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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
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Among vocational and merciful acts of service, Pope Francis would wash and kiss the feet of men, women and children, including those of prison inmates, during an annual Holy Thursday ritual.—
Gabriele Regalbuto,
FOXNews.com,
26 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Now 28 years old, Dickinson joins an emerging generation of British filmmakers who came of age against the U.K. government’s punishing austerity program of the 2010s onward, with its accompanying reduction in welfare and social services, and aren’t inclined toward a forgiving view.—
Guy Lodge,
Variety,
19 May 2025
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But that would be too easy — and far too forgiving.—
Jack Hill,
Baltimore Sun,
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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The key to success is being patient and consistent with healthy habits.—
Kumkum S. Patel,
Verywell Health,
22 May 2025
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Healthcare organizations can leverage this technology to securely analyze patient data across international boundaries while maintaining compliance.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes.com,
21 May 2025
Adjective
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The two-piece gown featured a sculpted bodice with a gentle curve at the neckline and a drop waist that nodded to early 2000s silhouettes.—
Karissa Mitchell,
Essence,
30 May 2025
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Establishing a calming bedtime routine, like gentle brushing or massage, can also help to cue bedtime and reduce nighttime barking.—
Maria Azzurra Volpe,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Lenient.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lenient. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.
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