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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Recent Examples of absolution
Believers confess their sins to a priest, receive spiritual guidance and absolution and typically are required to make an act of contrition like saying specific prayers.
—
Corky Siemaszko,
NBC news,
16 Apr. 2026
The priest goes with the mestizo, but the man refuses confession and dies without absolution.
—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
1 Apr. 2026
Many women who weighed in have welcomed the message of absolution.
—
Elaine Godfrey,
The Atlantic,
10 Feb. 2026
Whatever absolution could be provided in the deaths of Michael, Marcy and Jennifer Jacobs or the disappearance of Ricky McCarthy would still mean something to their families.
—
Graham Womack
updated January 15,
Sacbee.com,
16 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for absolution
Corky Siemaszko,
NBC news,
16 Apr. 2026
The priest goes with the mestizo, but the man refuses confession and dies without absolution.
—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
1 Apr. 2026
Many women who weighed in have welcomed the message of absolution.
—
Elaine Godfrey,
The Atlantic,
10 Feb. 2026
Whatever absolution could be provided in the deaths of Michael, Marcy and Jennifer Jacobs or the disappearance of Ricky McCarthy would still mean something to their families.
—
Graham Womack
updated January 15,
Sacbee.com,
16 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for absolution
Recent Examples of Synonyms for absolution
Noun
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Start by checking your credit card debt forgiveness eligibility here.
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The move comes as the department prepares to implement controversial changes to the PSLF program that would give Secretary of Education Linda McMahon sweeping authority to cut off borrowers from loan forgiveness.
Noun
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Christian legislators demanded amnesty for hundreds of citizens who fled to Israel after its forces withdrew from Lebanon in 2000.
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In January, Rodríguez announced plans to transform El Helicoide into a social and sports center as part of a broader political opening that included an amnesty initiative for political prisoners later approved by the National Assembly.
Noun
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The school construction scandal should not end in a presidential pardon.
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Maxwell's former attorney, David Markus, told reporters last summer that Maxwell had not requested a pardon, but would welcome any relief.
Cite this Entry
“Absolution.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/absolution. Accessed 3 Jul. 2026.
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