Synonym Chooser

How does the verb condone differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of condone are excuse, forgive, and pardon. While all these words mean "to exact neither punishment nor redress," condone implies that one overlooks without censure behavior (such as dishonesty or violence) that involves a serious breach of a moral, ethical, or legal code, and the term may refer to the behavior or to the agent responsible for it.

a society that condones alcohol but not narcotics

When would excuse be a good substitute for condone?

The words excuse and condone are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, excuse may refer to specific acts especially in social or conventional situations or the person responsible for these. Often the term implies extenuating circumstances.

excuse an interruption
excused them for interrupting
injustice excuses strong responses

When is forgive a more appropriate choice than condone?

Although the words forgive and condone have much in common, forgive implies that one gives up all claim to requital and to resentment or vengeful feelings.

could not forgive their rudeness

When can pardon be used instead of condone?

The synonyms pardon and condone are sometimes interchangeable, but pardon implies that one remits a penalty due for an admitted or established offense.

pardon a criminal

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 condone Here the overlords do not wield violence themselves but quietly condone it for the sake of preserving the order on which their privilege rests. Richard Brody, New Yorker, 30 July 2025 And no scripture condones the smug enjoyment of it. Hannah Sacks, People.com, 30 July 2025 Sophie and Margo’s new connection is condoned by Jed, who likes to share his wife’s playthings, and resented by Callie (Jaime Ray Newman), Margo’s bestie and current sidepiece. Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 20 July 2025 The suit, filed by former interim NYPD Commissioner Thomas Donlon, is the fifth in two weeks to allege rampant corruption within the police department — which the lawsuits say was condoned by City Hall. Mark Morales, CNN Money, 16 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for condone
Recent Examples of Synonyms for condone
Verb
  • That many in the media have ignored the unit’s rise is an indictment.
    Sean Durns, The Washington Examiner, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Amid all its glorious and aesthetic architecture lies the massive environmental impact that cannot be ignored.
    Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 11 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • If a Manchester United fan missed this game (good call, by the way) and just looked at the post-match stats, they could be forgiven for thinking their boys put up a decent display.
    Matt Slater, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2025
  • Both characters struggle to forgive themselves for past mistakes and are reluctant to dive back into relationships.
    Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 15 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • High-end Japanese restaurant chain ROKA opened a branch at the Mandarin Oriental Bodrum this summer, where guests can enjoy ROKA’s signature dishes, and some bespoke new creations, at an outdoor restaurant overlooking Paradise Bay.
    Maureen O'Hare, CNN Money, 15 Sep. 2025
  • Room Essentials Satin Quilt Don’t overlook Target’s exclusive brand, Room Essentials, when shopping for bedding.
    Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • That explains why the two-perspective structure couldn’t be justified in an episode like this and exposes the weakness of the conceit in the first place.
    Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 10 Sep. 2025
  • The excitement may be justified, but so is the concern when regulatory structures fail to keep pace with demand.
    Lindsay O'Neill, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Here, Renzi explains how long the doc was in the works, why family members didn’t participate, and how Marco of all people helped Sheen to get off crack.
    Lynette Rice, Deadline, 13 Sep. 2025
  • At a time when contentious words dominate our conversations—think insurrection and fascism and fake news and woke—the need for dictionaries to chronicle and explain language, and serve as its watchdog, has never been greater.
    Stefan Fatsis, The Atlantic, 13 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • It was announced by the Vikings head coach that McCarthy was excused due to being at the hospital with his fiancée to welcome the arrival of his baby boy.
    James Brizuela, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Likewise, with cameras on the trains in Charlotte, the public could be excused for wondering why there wasn’t a more immediate response after the event.
    Chicago Tribune, Twin Cities, 11 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Condone.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/condone. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.

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