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Definitions

pardon

[pahr-dn] / ˈpɑr dn /
NOUN
forgiveness
Synonyms
STRONGEST
absolution allowance amnesty clemency mercy remission reprieve
STRONG
acquittal anchor commute conciliation condonation discharge exculpation excuse exoneration forbearance freeing grace indemnification indemnity indulgence justification kindness lifeboat lifesaver release vindication
Antonyms
STRONG
blame conviction hold
WEAK
chastisement condemnation damning ostracization penalty punishment
VERB
forgive
Synonyms
STRONGEST
absolve acquit discharge excuse exonerate tolerate
STRONG
accept amnesty clear condone exculpate free justify liberate lifeboat overlook release remit reprieve rescue spring
WEAK
blink at bury the hatchet give absolution grant amnesty let off let off easy suspend charges wink at wipe the slate clean write off
Antonyms
STRONGEST
blame charge condemn convict hold incriminate sentence
STRONG
deny keep limit prevent refuse restrain
WEAK
chastise damn ostracize penalize 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.

Cuba announced on Thursday that it would soon pardon and release 2,010 prisoners as a “humanitarian gesture,” though it is unclear if any were protesters.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2026

The system, created during her father Alberto Fujimori's term in office, was widely criticized for unfair trials that later forced the state to pardon hundreds of prisoners.

From Barron's • Mar. 26, 2026

The spokesperson added that any donations Milton “may or may not have made played absolutely no role” in the president’s decision to pardon him.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 18, 2026

Oklahoma law requires that a pardon and parole board vote in favor of clemency before the governor makes his final decision.

From Slate • Mar. 6, 2026

"Your father did not mean to harm. You must pardon him. Always it is better to let bygones be forgotten, no?"

From "How the García Girls Lost Their Accents" by Julia Alvarez

Vocabulary lists containing pardon

"The Crucible" -- Vocabulary from all 4 Acts

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

"Romeo and Juliet" by William Shakespeare, Act IV

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The Balcony Scene from "Romeo and Juliet"

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!