Need another word for Lenient? Use these synonyms of Lenient from our thesaurus to say it differently.
Synonyms & Similar Words
mild
gentle
soft
tolerant
permissive
indulgent
forgiving
merciful
compassionate
kindly
benevolent
liberal
lax
moderate
reasonable
fair
just
unbiased
impartial
easygoing
flexible
lenitive
clement
humane
charitable
kind
gracious
generous
considerate
understanding
sympathetic
Meaning of Lenient
The primary meaning of the word "Lenient" is being tolerant or permissive.
Definitions
- According to Oxford Languages, "lenient" means having or showing a willingness to forgive or be more merciful, especially towards someone who has done something wrong.
- It can also refer to a punishment or treatment that is mild or moderate, rather than severe.
Etymology of Lenient
The word "lenient" has its roots in the Latin word "lenis," which means "mild" or "gentle."
The Latin word "lenis" is also related to the word "lenire," which means "to soothe" or "to calm."
The word "lenient" entered the English language in the 15th century and has been used to describe a range of concepts, from moral attitudes to penal codes.
Example Uses
- The judge was lenient with the first-time offender and gave her a suspended sentence.
- The teacher was known for being lenient with her students, often giving them extra time to complete their assignments.
- The government has been criticized for being too lenient with corporations that break environmental laws.
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
harsh
severe
strict
stern
tough
rigid
inflexible
uncompromising
unyielding
merciless
unforgiving
cruel
brutal
savage
barbaric
inhumane
unjust
biased
partial
extreme
excessive
punitive
vindictive
retaliatory