* Formal: The judge was lenient with the first-time offender, giving him only probation.
* Informal: My parents are lenient about bedtime on weekends.
* Figurative: The company's lenient return policy made it easy for customers to return products.
* Contrasting: The school's strict dress code contrasted with its lenient attendance policy.
* Negative: The lenient punishments for minor offenses led to an increase in crime.
Note: "Lenient" usually implies a lack of strictness or severity. It can be used in a positive or negative way, depending on the context.