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

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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

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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

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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 of pardon in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

If a president wants to sell pardons, since the pardon power is an official power under the Constitution, the president can’t be prosecuted. —

Sean Illing, Vox, 3 Aug. 2024 Such core powers include the ability to grant pardons or veto legislation. —

Sarah Binder, Foreign Affairs, 18 July 2024

Verb

In 1976, the GOP was coming off of the Watergate scandal and President Richard Nixon's resignation, and Ford soon pardoned Nixon after taking office, which hurt the new president's political standing. —

Caitlin Jewitt, ABC News, 13 Aug. 2024 The pardon issue may well surface again if President Joe Biden considers whether to pardon son Hunter Biden over his federal gun conviction – and if Trump is elected to a second term and put in a position to pardon himself over allegations against him. —

David Jackson, USA TODAY, 8 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for pardon

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

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“Pardon.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pardon. Accessed 7 Sep. 2024.

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Last Updated: 5 Sep 2024 - Updated example sentences

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Synonyms of pardon

noun

verb

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