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clement

adjective
clem·​ent | \ ˈkle-mÉ™nt How to pronounce clement (audio) \

Definition of clement

 (Entry 1 of 2)

1 : inclined to be merciful : lenient a clement judge
2 : mild clement weather for this time of year

Clement

biographical name
Clem·​ent | \ ˈkle-mÉ™nt How to pronounce Clement (audio) \

Definition of Clement (Entry 2 of 2)

name of 14 popes: especially VII ( Giulio de' Medici \ ˈme-​dÉ™-​(ËŒ)chÄ“ How to pronounce ˈme-də-(ˌ)chē (audio)\ ) 1478–1534 (pope 1523–34)
Other Words from clement Synonyms & Antonyms Did You Know? More Example Sentences Learn More about clement

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Other Words from clement

Adjective

clemently adverb

Synonyms & Antonyms for clement

Synonyms: Adjective

balmy, equable, genial, gentle, mild, moderate, soft, temperate

Antonyms: Adjective

harsh, inclement, intemperate, severe

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Did You Know?

Defendants in court cases probably don't spend much time worrying about inclement weather. They're too busy hoping to meet a clement judge so they will be granted clemency. They should hope they don't meet an inclement judge! "Clement," "inclement," and "clemency" all derive from the Latin clemens, which means "mild" or "calm." All three terms can refer to an individual's degree of mercy or to the relative pleasantness of the weather.

Examples of clement in a Sentence

Adjective

 Hawaii is known for its delightfully clement climate. his clement application of authority was a welcome change after years of managerial heavy-handedness

Recent Examples on the Web: Adjective

 Sitting atop a series of ridges, Bangalore lies more than 3,000 feet above sea level—an elevation that affords the city month after month of moderate temperatures, nippy evenings, and clement afternoons. — Samanth Subramanian, WIRED, "India’s Silicon Valley Is Dying of Thirst. Your City May Be Next," 2 May 2017 Some scientists remained reluctant to embrace the new data; in the Soviet Union in particular the concept of a more or less clement Venus held on for several more years. — David S. F. Portree, WIRED, "Centaurs, Soviets, and Seltzer Seas: Mariner 2’s Venusian Adventure (1962)," 20 Dec. 2014

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'clement.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of clement

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for clement

Adjective

Middle English, from Latin clement-, clemens

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More Definitions for clement

clement

adjective
How to pronounce Clement (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of clement

formal : not too hot or too cold

See the full definition for clement in the English Language Learners Dictionary

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More from Merriam-Webster on clement

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for clement

Spanish Central: Translation of clement

Nglish: Translation of clement for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about clement

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