Synonym Chooser

How does the verb condone differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of condone are excuse, forgive, and pardon. While all these words mean "to exact neither punishment nor redress," condone implies that one overlooks without censure behavior (such as dishonesty or violence) that involves a serious breach of a moral, ethical, or legal code, and the term may refer to the behavior or to the agent responsible for it.

a society that condones alcohol but not narcotics

When would excuse be a good substitute for condone?

The words excuse and condone are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, excuse may refer to specific acts especially in social or conventional situations or the person responsible for these. Often the term implies extenuating circumstances.

excuse an interruption
excused them for interrupting
injustice excuses strong responses

When is forgive a more appropriate choice than condone?

Although the words forgive and condone have much in common, forgive implies that one gives up all claim to requital and to resentment or vengeful feelings.

could not forgive their rudeness

When can pardon be used instead of condone?

The synonyms pardon and condone are sometimes interchangeable, but pardon implies that one remits a penalty due for an admitted or established offense.

pardon a criminal

Examples of condone in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Zoë Kravitz is speaking out on the ongoing debate over whether someone can be a fan of a controversial artist’s work but not condone their actions. Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 14 Aug. 2024 In March 2022, Google also paused monetization of any content exploiting, condoning, or dismissing Russia's war with Ukraine. Ashley Belanger, Ars Technica, 12 Aug. 2024 No sane person of any affiliation would condone such violence. Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 22 July 2024 The ruling noted the SJC doesn't dispute the details of the case or condone what happened. Steph Solis, Axios, 17 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for condone 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'condone.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Thesaurus Entries Near condone

Cite this Entry

“Condone.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/condone. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on condone

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