Synonyms: mercy, leniency, clemency, charity
These nouns mean humane and kind, sympathetic, or forgiving treatment of or disposition toward others. Mercy is compassionate forbearance: "The challenge ... is how to define morally reasonable grounds on which to grant perpetrators mercy and allow them to go free" (Pumla Gobodo-Madikizela).
Leniency implies mildness, gentleness, and often a tendency to reduce punishment: "Even though Grant advocated leniency toward the Confederacy's military leaders, he called for punishment of its political leaders" (Brooks D. Simpson).
Clemency is mercy shown by someone with judicial authority: The judge believed in clemency for youthful offenders. Charity is goodwill and benevolence in judging others: "With malice toward none, with charity for all ... let us strive on to finish the work we are in" (Abraham Lincoln).