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

Monday's announcement also follows controversy over Biden's pardon of his own son, Hunter Biden, for gun and tax charges. —

Deepa Shivaram, NPR, 23 Dec. 2024 In Tennessee, a pardon serves as a statement of forgiveness to someone who has completed their prison sentence and is no longer incarcerated, while commutation shortens a sentence but lets the conviction stand. —

Jonathan Mattise The Associated Press, arkansasonline.com, 21 Dec. 2024

Verb

Trump pardoned Kushner's father, Charles Kushner, in 2020, and in November nominated him to serve as U.S. ambassador to France. —

Gord Magill, Newsweek, 22 Dec. 2024 As Republican support firms up behind President-elect Donald Trump’s promise to pardon protesters charged and convicted in the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol affair, resentment is growing that liberal Black Lives Matter rioters got off easier for their 2020 violence. —

Paul Bedard, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 20 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for pardon

Recent Examples of Synonyms for pardon

Noun

Email newsletter | Facebook page Our rating: False The post misrepresents a ritual known as the opening of holy doors, which marks the start of a special period of forgiveness for the Catholic Church.

Nate Trela, USA TODAY, 20 Dec. 2024
California How Trump’s win could reshape UC research, LGBTQ+ rights and student loan forgiveness Nov. 8, 2024 What the plaintiffs say Julianne Fleischer, legal counsel for Advocates for Faith & Freedom, acknowledged California law.

Rebecca Plevin, Los Angeles Times, 20 Dec. 2024