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

Varga had been justice minister and had co-signed the pardon.

From BBC • Apr. 1, 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

The Icelandic Chess Federation urges the President of the United States to pardon Bobby Fischer and let him go free.

From "Endgame" by Frank Brady

pardon

Example Sentences

Related Words