CONDONE Synonyms: 36 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

condone

verb

kən-ˈdōn

Definition of condone next

as in to ignore

to dismiss as of little importance he is too quick to condone his friend's faults

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of condone When studies are published showing harms associated with alcohol, the industry frequently replies by pointing to the official recommendations condoning up to two drinks a day for men and one for women. —

Roni Caryn Rabin, New York Times, 1 Jan. 2025 In explaining why those posts might be happening, though, most think it is driven by people who are angry about the health insurance system, not that those expressing such sentiments are condoning violence. —

Anthony Salvanto, CBS News, 22 Dec. 2024 While not condoning the money received and controlled by big-name inmates at the expense of victims, money for commissary is a necessity in prison and reduces the costs to taxpayers. —

Walter Pavlo, Forbes, 21 Dec. 2024 While some of the former band members are German as reported in the media, none of us condone any Nazi beliefs whatsoever. —

Hannah Parry, Newsweek, 19 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for condone

Recent Examples of Synonyms for condone

Verb

Prison staff had ignored warning signs of his suicide, the lawsuit claims.

— Thomas C. Zambito, USA TODAY, 17 Feb. 2025
Get best-in-class reporting that's too important to ignore for just $2.50 $1 per month for 1 year.

— Boutayna Chokrane, WIRED, 17 Feb. 2025