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Definitions

let off

VERB
make not subject to punishment or action
Synonyms
WEAK
abandon absolve discharge dispense drop excuse exempt exonerate forgive let go pardon privilege from release relieve remove spare
Antonyms
WEAK
blame incarcerate punish

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

He needed to let off a little steam.

From Slate • Apr. 6, 2026

Stellantis parking scofflaws today don’t receive a fine and are typically let off with a warning, employees say.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 25, 2026

A bit of “steam being let off AI-related names opens up the trade to more individuals coming in,” said Pavlik at Dakota Wealth.

From MarketWatch • Nov. 10, 2025

Lyon were awarded a spot-kick shortly after half-time but former Arsenal man Ainsley Maitland-Niles failed to beat goalkeeper Yehvann Diouf from 12 yards as Nice were let off.

From Barron's • Oct. 18, 2025

Driving to Daisy’s apartment complex, I kept forgetting why I was stopped at a stoplight, and then I’d let off Harold’s brake only to look up and notice, oh, right.

From "Turtles All the Way Down" by John Green