noun
clemency
KLEH-muhn-see
Clemency (noun) means Mercy or leniency shown toward someone who could rightfully be punished. Example: “The judge showed clemency and reduced his sentence.”
noun
1
Mercy or leniency shown toward someone who could rightfully be punished.
"The judge showed clemency and reduced his sentence."
"Activists petitioned the governor for clemency on behalf of the prisoner."
2
An official act reducing or cancelling a legal punishment, such as a pardon.
"The governor granted clemency just hours before the execution date."
How to use clemency
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishBeing merciful, especially by softening or cancelling a punishment someone deserved.
Common pairings
grant clemency
show clemency
a plea for clemency
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Word forms
- Plural
- clemencies
Fill the gap
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The judge showed _____ and reduced his sentence.
Etymology
From Latin clementia, "mildness, mercy," related to clemens ("merciful").
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for clemency
agency
latency
urgency
potency
decency
regency
currency
tendency
leniency
frequency
emergency
residency
See all rhymes for clemency →
Frequently asked questions
What does “clemency” mean?
The word “clemency” means mercy or leniency shown toward someone who could rightfully be punished. In plain terms, being merciful, especially by softening or cancelling a punishment someone deserved.
How do you pronounce “clemency”?
“Clemency” is pronounced KLEH-muhn-see (/ˈklɛ.mən(t).si/ in IPA).
How do you use “clemency” in a sentence?
Here is “clemency” used in a sentence: “The judge showed clemency and reduced his sentence.”
What is the opposite of “clemency”?
The opposite of “clemency” — its antonyms — is cruelty.
What part of speech is “clemency”?
“Clemency” is a noun.
Where does the word “clemency” come from?
The word “clemency” comes from Latin. From Latin clementia, "mildness, mercy," related to clemens ("merciful").
How many meanings does “clemency” have?
“Clemency” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: mercy or leniency shown toward someone who could rightfully be punished.
