as in forgiveness
release from the guilt or penalty of an offense
the jury's verdict of "not guilty" was absolution in the eyes of the law, but the verdict would always be "guilty" in the court of public opinion
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of absolution
Peter has trapped his sibling in a vicious cycle of need, one meant to foster some form of absolution for his secrets.
—
Hunter Ingram, Variety, 8 Nov. 2025
Needless to say, the current White House occupant, an actual member of the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (though Emmy-less himself), is offering no such absolution.
—Bruce Handy, New Yorker, 6 Oct. 2025
But clearly Ray does need some sort of absolution, and his confession to his brother is that first step.
—Jocelyn Noveck, Boston Herald, 3 Oct. 2025
That translucent fable of absolution is now being challenged, in Riefenstahl’s own words, by way of an audaciously illuminating documentary from native German writer-director, Andres Veiel, who gained unprecedented access to the late subject’s estate.
—Josh Weiss, Forbes.com, 5 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for absolution
Hunter Ingram, Variety, 8 Nov. 2025
Needless to say, the current White House occupant, an actual member of the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (though Emmy-less himself), is offering no such absolution.
—Bruce Handy, New Yorker, 6 Oct. 2025
But clearly Ray does need some sort of absolution, and his confession to his brother is that first step.
—Jocelyn Noveck, Boston Herald, 3 Oct. 2025
That translucent fable of absolution is now being challenged, in Riefenstahl’s own words, by way of an audaciously illuminating documentary from native German writer-director, Andres Veiel, who gained unprecedented access to the late subject’s estate.
—Josh Weiss, Forbes.com, 5 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for absolution
Recent Examples of Synonyms for absolution
Noun
-
King did not apologize or seek forgiveness.—
DAVID FISCHER THE ASSOCIATED PRESS,
Arkansas Online,
18 Mar. 2026
-
King did not apologize or seek forgiveness.—
CBS Miami Team,
CBS News,
17 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Now, prisoners are leaving El Helicoide, as the Rodríguez government implements an amnesty law that has benefited hundreds of dissidents.—
Manuel Rueda,
NPR,
20 Mar. 2026
-
After the successful defense of the city, the Portuguese governor extended amnesty to all rebels who surrendered.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
19 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
One defendant was granted a second pardon to cover his gun charges.—
Joe Walsh,
CBS News,
17 Mar. 2026
-
Not everyone who posts will end up behind bars and many cases end with pardons.—
Mohammed Sergie,
semafor.com,
12 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Absolution.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/absolution. Accessed 24 Mar. 2026.
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