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

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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

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 condone National security trial begins for Jimmy Lai, Hong Kong's pro-democracy media mogul Lai told the court that the Apple Daily did not condone violence, particularly during the 2019 pro-democracy protests. —

Britt Clennett, ABC News, 20 Nov. 2024 In a statement to Fortune, Trump campaign senior advisor Danielle Alvarez said the candidate does not condone the offensive remarks about Puerto Rico. —

Marco Quiroz-Gutierrez, Fortune, 30 Oct. 2024 Conversely, destructive behavior proliferates in communities that condone it. —

Thomas Curwen, Los Angeles Times, 20 Oct. 2024 Though some individuals did not condone certain social media posts, including the cartoon, there is a concern that Grierson’s decision has contributed to silencing a vocal advocate for the Palestinian cause. —

Jake Kanter, Deadline, 5 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for condone

Recent Examples of Synonyms for condone

Verb

An important social context to Rickey can’t be ignored.

Marcus Thompson II, The Athletic, 25 Dec. 2024
Biden rewarded murderers while ignoring the innocent and their families.

Fox News, Fox News, 24 Dec. 2024