clemency

Exam frequency

GRE

high

Banks

high

Civil Services

high

Meaning(s)

leniency or compassion

Check Icon How to Memorize

clemency - mercy

Check Icon Analysis

To show ‘clemency’ is to be merciful, typically by forgiving somebody for a wrong they have done or by moderating the severity of the punishment given. The nature of the term means that it is generally used in the context of compassion shown by a figure in a position of authority when administering justice.

ExamsSpokenOther
Synonyms leniency,compassion,grace
Antonyms barbarity

Check Icon Example(s)

  1. The judge agreed to grant the defendant clemency after evidence emerged that she was acting in self-defence.

  2. I accepted that I had infringed company policy, but I appealed for clemency on the grounds that it was my first offence.

  3. The prisoner was denied clemency. His execution will take place as planned tomorrow morning.

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