leniency

Plural: leniencies

Noun

• mercifulness as a consequence of being lenient or tolerant
• a disposition to yield to the wishes of someone
• lightening a penalty or excusing from a chore by judges or parents or teachers
• The quality of mercy or forgiveness, especially in the assignment of punishment as in a court case.
• An act of being lenient.
• pl. -CIES the quality of being lenient

Examples

• "The convicted felon asked for leniency, but because the crime was so heinous the judge refused and gave the maximum sentence."

Synonyms

indulgence, lenience, lenity, mildness