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Definitions

lenity

[len-i-tee] / ˈlɛn ɪ ti /
NOUN
tolerance
Synonyms
STRONG
altruism benevolence broad-mindedness charitableness charity clemency compassion concession endurance forbearance freedom grace humanity indulgence kindness lenience leniency liberalism liberality liberalness license magnanimity mercifulness mercy patience permission permissiveness sensitivity sufferance sympathy toleration understanding
WEAK
good will
Antonyms
STRONG
cruelty denial disagreement harshness indifference intolerance malevolence meanness mercilessness prohibition refusal selfishness unkindness
NOUN
grace
Synonyms
STRONG
benefaction beneficence benevolence charity clemency compassion compassionateness favor forbearance generosity goodness indulgence kindliness kindness lenience leniency love mercifulness mercy pardon quarter reprieve responsiveness tenderness
WEAK
caritas good will
Antonyms
STRONG
animosity cruelty disfavor harshness hatred ill will malevolence meanness mercilessness selfishness unkindness

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.

Sotomayor joined most of Gorsuch’s full-throated support for the rule of lenity in Wooden.

From Slate • Mar. 1, 2023

Which leads to a second reason to reject a broad reading of the law: the rule of lenity.

From Slate • Mar. 1, 2023

Dershowitz further suggested that the "rule of lenity," or the legal doctrine that ambiguities should be resolved in favor of defendants, also counseled towards acquitting the president.

From Fox News • Jan. 27, 2020

“At the very least,” Kagan writes, the rule of lenity “should tip the scales in Lockhart’s favor,” because the majority does not “unambiguously” demonstrate that the critical clause does not apply to all three crimes.

From Slate • Mar. 1, 2016

Like many people, Chris apparently judged artists and close friends by their work, not their life, yet he was temperamentally incapable of extending such lenity to his father.

From "Into the Wild" by Jon Krakauer

Vocabulary lists containing lenity

"The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet," Vocabulary from Act 3

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