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
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
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Yesterday, Melvin Benn, the boss of Wireless parent Festival Republic, released a statement standing by the booking and advocating for forgiveness of Ye.—
Jazz Monroe,
Pitchfork,
7 Apr. 2026
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Following the death of his son in a senseless crime, a father’s obsession with finding the killer leads him into a painful search for truth, redemption, and the meaning of forgiveness.—
Georg Szalai,
HollywoodReporter,
7 Apr. 2026
Noun
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The Iranians negotiating with the United States — who would be part of making that deal — have been offered limited amnesty, Yingst said Trump told him.—
Billy Stockwell,
CNN Money,
5 Apr. 2026
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Both Faye and Sonko were still in prison, however, and were not released until little more than a week before the March 24 election under the terms of an amnesty act.—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
30 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Under these circumstances, legal observers say that any pardon is likely to face a significant Supreme Court challenge.—
Tal Shalev,
CNN Money,
5 Apr. 2026
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The Cuban Embassy in Washington said authorities granted pardons to 2,010 inmates under provisions of the country’s constitution, citing factors such as good behavior, time already served and health conditions.—
Michael Dorgan,
FOXNews.com,
3 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Absolution.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/absolution. Accessed 13 Apr. 2026.
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