pardon 1 of 2

pardon

2 of 2

verb

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

Example 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
On May 27, Trump called Savannah Chrisley to notify her of the pending pardons for her parents. Melina Khan, USA Today, 27 June 2025 Todd and Julie were released from prison on May 28 after receiving full pardons from President Donald Trump one day prior. Stephanie Wenger, People.com, 29 June 2025
Verb
President Donald Trump is set to pardon reality TV stars Todd and Julie Chrisley, who were convicted of bank fraud and tax evasion. Evan Mealins, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025 Jared Wise was on trial when he was pardoned as part of President Donald Trump's sweeping series of pardons and commutations for nearly all of the more than 1,500 individuals charged in connection with the Capitol attack. Alexander Mallin, ABC News, 1 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for pardon
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pardon
Noun
  • Instead, new student loans will be given the option to pay back the loans between 10 and 25 years (the duration fluctuates based on the loan balance at graduation), as well as an option to have student loan forgiveness after 30 years of payments.
    Nathan Goldman, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025
  • Even Hinton’s father asked for forgiveness on behalf of his family.
    David Ferrara, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025
Verb
  • Quynh eventually learns to forgive Andy and move past their issues because of her newfound mortality.
    Caroline Blair, People.com, 3 July 2025
  • And the nation could be forgiven for wanting to take a collective shower.
    Marco della Cava, USA Today, 3 July 2025
Verb
  • Why is natural gas to be ignored when American gas is clean and cost effective?
    Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 11 July 2025
  • Remember, ignoring these signals can lead to heat exhaustion or life-threatening heat stroke.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 11 July 2025
Noun
  • Rollins is viewed in MAGA circles as someone to watch out for on amnesty and immigration leniency.
    W. James Antle III, The Washington Examiner, 12 July 2025
  • White House scrambles to smother amnesty talk Trump continues to receive his highest approval marks among conservatives for his controversial handling of undocumented immigrants.
    Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 12 July 2025
Verb
  • The rooftop bar and restaurant is the perfect place to enjoy light bites and cocktails during warmer months overlooking views of the city.
    Monica Mendal, Vogue, 1 July 2025
  • From simply meeting expectations to overlooking key relationships, minor missteps can quietly stall your career growth.
    Alyshia Hull, USA Today, 1 July 2025
Verb
  • None of that, however, excuses the silly and juvenile behavior of the Assembly’s majority Democrats last week when the chamber took up a resolution commemorating Pride month.
    Mark Barabak, Mercury News, 3 July 2025
  • Students who cannot get to school and have bus stops are on a list provided by district officials can get absences excused Thursday and Friday.
    Killian Baarlaer, The Courier-Journal, 2 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Pardon.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pardon. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.

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Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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