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Saturday, December 5, 2026

clemency

/ˈklɛmənsi/ noun · British & US
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What does clemency mean?

noun

The quality of being kind and merciful, especially in a situation where someone has the power to punish or harm. Clemency is often shown by a person in a position of authority, such as a judge or a monarch.

Example

"The judge showed clemency to the defendant, reducing their sentence to time served."

Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.

Etymologically related

Synonyms for clemency

Antonyms of clemency

Rhymes with clemency