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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

Lapaseotes was threatened with a $92,000 fine before she corrected the paperwork issue and was let off with a warning.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 24, 2025

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

The courtroom seemed to feel, with some complacency and some disappointment, that it was his great good luck to be let off so easily.

From "Go Tell It on the Mountain" by James Baldwin