immunity

noun

i-ˈmyü-nə-tē How to pronounce immunity (audio)
Definition of immunitynext
as in protection
freedom from punishment, harm, or loss the suspect refused to name his partners unless he was granted immunity

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 immunity Specifically, Pickard said his understanding of the immunity deal is that his testimony about adultery and an inappropriate relationship cannot be used against him as part of the Uniform Code of Military Justice. — Matt Schooley, CBS News, 22 Oct. 2026 Jeff says, however, that there is only one immunity whale this week and two tribes will be headed to tribal council. — Brian Moylan, Vulture, 22 Oct. 2026 In addition, scientists in Bangladesh are studying why immunity is waning faster than expected in babies up to 6 months or so. — Reuters, NBC news, 19 Oct. 2026 Federal agents can claim immunity in response to civil lawsuits or to state charges and can move their cases to federal court. — Nicole Foy, ProPublica, 19 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for immunity
Recent Examples of Synonyms for immunity
  1. protection
  2. exemption
  3. defense
  4. security
  5. impunity
Noun
  • Read that provision closely and mind its deadline, because the protection only lasts for a set window.
    — Gary Singer, Sun Sentinel, 29 Oct. 2026
  • Modern environmental protection requires advanced technology, and thus, undermining innovation is not the answer.
    — Max Harden, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 Oct. 2026
Definition of protection
Noun
  • Gonzalez said the department could not comment further on disciplinary proceedings, citing personnel exemptions in the Missouri Sunshine Law.
    — Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 30 Oct. 2026
  • Such a government could tackle pressing issues like military exemptions for the ultra-Orthodox or work to shore up Israel’s economy.
    — Tia Goldenberg, Chicago Tribune, 30 Oct. 2026
Definition of exemption
Noun
  • Stokes finished with a personal 2026 postseason-best 13 points to go with eight rebounds, three blocks and suffocating defense on Dream star Angel Reese, who was held to seven points on 2-for-8 shooting.
    — Reuters, NBC news, 27 Oct. 2026
  • Portis rushed to his teammates’ defense, getting into Gafford’s face before the two teams separated them.
    — Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 27 Oct. 2026
Definition of defense
Noun
  • Savannah River National Laboratory conducts research involving nuclear materials, environmental management, energy technologies, and national security.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 29 Oct. 2026
  • Netanyahu’s opponents said he should be held accountable for the security failures that occurred on his watch and have demanded a commission of inquiry.
    — Giovanna Dell'Orto, Chicago Tribune, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of security
Noun
  • Employees allege the company is run like a monarchy, with those at the top ruling with impunity.
    — Alessandra Schade, Vanity Fair, 28 Oct. 2026
  • Shopkeepers who’ve found their livelihoods suddenly at stake wonder where the police were while groups looted and pillaged with impunity.
    — Colette Davidson, Christian Science Monitor, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of impunity

Browse Nearby Words

immune
immunity
immunize
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Immunity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/immunity. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster on immunity

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about immunity

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of Pyrrhic

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Pwn, Skibidi, Girlboss and Other Words Added to the 2026 Scrabble Dictionary

The Words of the Week - Oct. 30

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World
See More

Popular

See More

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
couple-laugh-cafe
Quiz: Foreign Phrases You Should Know Check out your bona fides and avoid any faux pas.
See All