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

Flávio has promised to seek a broad amnesty for his father and others convicted over the coup attempt, and to use the presidential pardon power if Congress does not act. — Alessandra Freitas, CNN Money, 2 Oct. 2026

But few Fascists were ever formally prosecuted for their crimes, and a general amnesty (granted by Palmiro Togliatti, the pragmatic head of the Italian Communist Party) was announced in 1946. — Max Norman, Harpers Magazine, 22 Sep. 2026

But there has been little appetite for the measure from hardline Republicans, who have accused her of advocating for amnesty for immigrants. — Claire Heddles, Miami Herald, 17 Sep. 2026

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