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

Relevance

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

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 pardon

Noun

Nonetheless, in granting pardons, Trump’s failure to distinguish between violent and non-violent offenders is indefensible. —

Clive Crook, Twin Cities, 8 Feb. 2025 Although a clerk faxed a copy of that warrant on January 15, Taake was released five days later, in accordance with President Trump’s pardon order. —

Natalie Neysa Alund, USA TODAY, 7 Feb. 2025

Verb

And Trump pardoned former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich (D), who went to prison for political corruption. —

Axios, 13 Feb. 2025 Led by Black journalists, national media attention continued to spread and on February 13, 1959, bowing to public pressure, Gov. Hodges—who went on to become U.S. Secretary of Commerce—pardoned the boys. —

Essence, 13 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for pardon

Recent Examples of Synonyms for pardon

Noun

Experts advise borrowers to stay informed, maintain accurate records of their loans and prepare for possible policy shifts that could impact repayment and forgiveness programs.

— Justin Gest, Newsweek, 10 Feb. 2025
The Catholic Jubilee Year – or Holy Year – was established in the 14th century by Pope Boniface VIII and is 12 months focused on forgiveness and reconciliation.

— Lauren Said-Moorhouse, CNN, 6 Feb. 2025