Synonyms of amnesty

amnesty

noun

ˈam-nə-stē 

as in forgiveness

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

• forgiveness
• pardon
• immunity
• parole
• absolution
• remission
• exemption
• remittal
• exoneration
• acquittal
• vindication
• indemnity
• exculpation
• clemency
• leniency
• impunity
• commutation
• condonation
• mercy
• reprieve
• commuting

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• punishment
• penalty
• retribution
• conviction
• sentence
• assessment
• charge
• imposition
• fine
• condemnation
• levying
• chastisement
• castigation
• chastening

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of amnesty

If a salary cap and floor are instituted, they could be phased in over a few years and could include amnesty provisions that allow teams to get out of one onerous contract that would otherwise count against the cap, etc. — Tim Britton, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2026

Trash pickup this week is following the normal schedule, with the exception that each day is a free amnesty day for bulk pickup to help out people who have had to throw out food that couldn’t be kept refrigerated or frozen. — Doug Ross, Chicago Tribune, 18 Aug. 2026

Christians required amnesty for hundreds of Lebanese who fled to Israel after the Israeli withdrawal. — ABC News, 12 Aug. 2026

The legislation outlines processes for conditional amnesties and the reintegration of thousands of Kurds, including armed combatants who have lived or operated from strongholds in neighboring Iran, Iraq, and Syria for decades. — The Christian Science Monitor, Christian Science Monitor, 11 Aug. 2026