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 Seyfried is one of many public figures who have sparked outrage for bringing up past statements of Kirk's, with critics claiming that such a reaction condones politically motivated violence. Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 17 Sep. 2025 The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department does not condone any violence and remains steadfast in safeguarding our community. City News Service, Oc Register, 11 Sep. 2025 The lawsuit says the Killen Police Department didn’t stop Webster’s behavior and accuses the police chief and the town, by extension, of condoning his actions and not properly training him. Olivia Lloyd, Miami Herald, 5 Sep. 2025 And anyone who refuses to speak out against Hamas is condoning evil. Chris Roemer, Baltimore Sun, 7 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for condone
Recent Examples of Synonyms for condone
Verb
  • Over the summer the FDA convened a panel on the safety of certain antidepressants in pregnancy that tried to cast doubt on this research, ignoring the real harms of not treating depression or anxiety for pregnant people themselves and for their fetuses.
    Tanya Lewis, Scientific American, 23 Oct. 2025
  • But the writers, like Noah and Joanne, are ignoring that fundamental fork in the road in favor of inane high jinks from the couple and their increasingly irksome friends and family.
    Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 23 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The Boss was essentially thanking the Taxi Driver scribe for forgiving the creative larceny Springsteen perpetrated in those early days of his career.
    Mike Fleming Jr, Deadline, 20 Oct. 2025
  • That means many borrowers whose loans are forgiven after that date could be in for a hefty tax bill.
    Danielle Douglas-Gabriel The Washington Post, Arkansas Online, 19 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Too often, it’s overlooked, which means missing out on benefits and prevention opportunities.
    Conviva Senior Primary Care, Miami Herald, 20 Oct. 2025
  • Select penthouses also feature cascading string chandeliers, foosball tables, and private Peloton gyms overlooking the Strip.
    David Morris, Travel + Leisure, 20 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The midfield area certainly functioned better against Frankfurt, with Curtis Jones more than justifying his inclusion.
    James Pearce, New York Times, 23 Oct. 2025
  • This isn’t to justify those prior murders.
    JSTOR Daily, JSTOR Daily, 23 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • In March 2025, Chelsea gave PEOPLE an exclusive update on Max's health journey, explaining that their son has had to relearn basic functions and attend physical therapy.
    Emily Blackwood, PEOPLE, 26 Oct. 2025
  • The canal connected increasingly specialized regions in the early US, explains historian Roger Ransom.
    JSTOR Daily, JSTOR Daily, 26 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Their cry is not against the faith itself but against distorted theology that excuses cruelty.
    Ed Gaskin, Boston Herald, 19 Oct. 2025
  • After Politico reported that Young Republicans expressed outrageously racist, misogynistic and anti-Semitic sentiments, Vice President JD Vance excused it as just the edgy chat of young activists.
    The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 19 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Condone.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/condone. Accessed 26 Oct. 2025.

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