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
Everybody loves a reformed sinner, and his first inquisitors, UF trustees, were prepared to grant Ono absolution.
—
Ron Cunningham, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 June 2025
The show pursues this dream to the point of absurdity, holding out hope for Serena’s absolution long past the point when a reasonable observer would have abandoned it.
—Moira Donegan, New Yorker, 11 Apr. 2025
Dolly de Leon's performance in Triangle of Sadness is groundbreaking — here's why
De Leon stars in Nine Perfect Strangers season 2 as Agnes, an ex-nun seeking absolution.
—Randall Colburn, EW.com, 21 May 2025
To depict him as a victim of manipulation grants him an unearned absolution.
—Nikhil Krishnan, New Yorker, 31 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for absolution
Ron Cunningham, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 June 2025
The show pursues this dream to the point of absurdity, holding out hope for Serena’s absolution long past the point when a reasonable observer would have abandoned it.
—Moira Donegan, New Yorker, 11 Apr. 2025
Dolly de Leon's performance in Triangle of Sadness is groundbreaking — here's why
De Leon stars in Nine Perfect Strangers season 2 as Agnes, an ex-nun seeking absolution.
—Randall Colburn, EW.com, 21 May 2025
To depict him as a victim of manipulation grants him an unearned absolution.
—Nikhil Krishnan, New Yorker, 31 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for absolution
Recent Examples of Synonyms for absolution
Noun
-
But, there was a lot of forgiveness that did happen.—
Giana Levy,
Variety,
17 July 2025
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This would also effectively block Parent PLUS borrowers from most federal student loan forgiveness programs, including PSLF.—
Adam S. Minsky,
Forbes.com,
15 July 2025
Noun
-
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
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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
Noun
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But Trump and House Republicans have accused Biden of being incapacitated when his aides used the signature device to sign off on pardons and commutations during the final months of his presidency.—
Joey Garrison,
USA Today,
17 July 2025
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Joe made his own plea for a pardon, posting a message to Trump on his Instagram on June 26.—
Erin Clack,
People.com,
13 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Absolution.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/absolution. Accessed 31 Jul. 2025.
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