as in pardons
release from the guilt or penalty of an offense
the president of France traditionally grants amnesty to specially selected prisoners on Bastille Day
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 amnesties
Mass amnesties to mark holidays are not unusual in Myanmar.
—
ABC News, 2 Mar. 2026
Even in its ideal form, the bureaucratic pardon would not possess the political legitimacy to undertake large-scale reform or grant broader amnesties.
—Bernadette Meyler, Harpers Magazine, 27 Jan. 2026
At the same time, Washington hopes to push a process of national reconciliation, including amnesties for opposition figures, the release of remaining political prisoners and the return of Venezuelans in exile — issues of particular importance to South Florida’s large Venezuelan diaspora.
—Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 15 Jan. 2026
ABC News, 2 Mar. 2026
Even in its ideal form, the bureaucratic pardon would not possess the political legitimacy to undertake large-scale reform or grant broader amnesties.
—Bernadette Meyler, Harpers Magazine, 27 Jan. 2026
At the same time, Washington hopes to push a process of national reconciliation, including amnesties for opposition figures, the release of remaining political prisoners and the return of Venezuelans in exile — issues of particular importance to South Florida’s large Venezuelan diaspora.
—Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 15 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for amnesties
pardons
Noun
-
The Cuban government said the mass pardons are this year's second prisoner release.—
Joe Walsh,
CBS News,
3 Apr. 2026
-
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
“Amnesties.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/amnesties. Accessed 8 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
