Synonyms of condone

condone

verb

kən-ˈdōn 

as in to ignore

to dismiss as of little importance

he is too quick to condone his friend's faults

Synonyms & Similar Words

• ignore
• forgive
• overlook
• justify
• explain
• excuse
• disregard
• pardon
• whitewash
• pass over
• brush (aside or off)
• paper over
• gloss (over)
• blink (at)
• rationalize
• forgive and forget
• discount
• remit
• wink (at)
• shrug off
• overpass
• exonerate
• absolve
• gloze (over)
• exculpate
• vindicate
• waive
• acquit
• close one's eyes to
• wave (aside or off)
• clear

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• object (to)
• note
• mark
• mind
• heed

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

Recent Examples of condone

There are passages in the Hebrew Bible that glorify or seem to condone mass killing, destruction of whole cities, male domination of women, even slavery. — Kenneth Seeskin, Chicago Tribune, 11 May 2026

Few would condone taking their neighbor’s jewelry to cover a credit card debt. — Robertas Bakula, Oc Register, 23 Apr. 2026

Considering how often people ignore actual invitations, Miss Manners is reluctant to condone any non-responsiveness. — Judith Martin, Sun Sentinel, 16 Mar. 2026

The negative extremes should never be condoned, but sometimes being told — in the right way, and by the coaches, not irate parents — that attitudes are not right could help stop the slide. — Laura Williamson, New York Times, 16 Mar. 2026

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