PARDON Synonyms: 94 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'pardon' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of pardon are condone , excuse , and forgive . While all these words mean "to exact neither punishment nor redress," pardon implies that one remits a penalty due for an admitted or established offense. // pardon a criminal

Q: When is 'condone' a more appropriate choice than 'pardon'?

In some situations, the words condone and pardon are roughly equivalent. However, 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 might 'excuse' be a better fit than 'pardon'?

The words excuse and pardon 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 can 'forgive' be used instead of 'pardon'?

The synonyms forgive and pardon are sometimes interchangeable, but forgive implies that one gives up all claim to requital and to resentment or vengeful feelings. // could not forgive their rudeness

pardon 1 of 2

noun

ˈpär-dᵊn

Definition of pardon next

as in forgiveness

release from the guilt or penalty of an offense the criminal is hoping for a presidential pardon

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

pardon

2 of 2

verb

as in to forgive

to cease to have feelings of anger or bitterness toward he eventually pardoned his sister after she apologized

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to ignore

to dismiss as of little importance I'm willing to pardon a little sloppiness of dress in such a kind and loving person

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb pardon differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of pardon are condone, excuse, and forgive. While all these words mean "to exact neither punishment nor redress," pardon implies that one remits a penalty due for an admitted or established offense.

pardon a criminal

When is condone a more appropriate choice than pardon?

In some situations, the words condone and pardon are roughly equivalent. However, 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 might excuse be a better fit than pardon?

The words excuse and pardon 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 can forgive be used instead of pardon?

The synonyms forgive and pardon are sometimes interchangeable, but forgive implies that one gives up all claim to requital and to resentment or vengeful feelings.

could not forgive their rudeness

Examples 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 pardon

Noun

She and other department officials could be involved in the legal processes involved with any pardon decisions. —

Robert Legare, CBS News, 12 Dec. 2024 Here is what these terms mean: What is the difference between pardon, commutation and amnesty? —

Marley Malenfant, Austin American-Statesman, 12 Dec. 2024

Verb

Spencer Platt/Getty Images President-elect Donald Trump is continuing to outline the opening priorities of his second administration, including pardoning some Jan. 6 defendants, enacting mass deportations and undoing executive actions of his predecessor. —

Stephen Fowler, NPR, 12 Dec. 2024 Biden to commute sentences of 1,500 ‘non-violent’ offenders President Joe Biden will commute the sentences of almost 1,500 offenders and pardon 39 others, in what the White House says is the biggest number of commutations and clemencies granted in a single day. —

Elizabeth Robinson, NBC News, 12 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for pardon

Recent Examples of Synonyms for pardon

Noun

In October, the department said the Biden administration approved additional forgiveness, bringing the total relief to $175 billion in student debt relief for nearly 5 million borrowers.

Rachel Barber, USA TODAY, 9 Dec. 2024
Shares had rallied in the aftermath of Donald Trump’s election victory, as investors figured the company would benefit from more stringent student loan forgiveness policies expected under Trump.

Pia Singh, CNBC, 9 Dec. 2024