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

Since its initial criticism of Harvard as a place where antisemitism was condoned or ignored during last spring’s pro-Palestinian protests, the government’s list of complaints about the nation’s oldest and wealthiest university has grown by the day. —Andy Rose, CNN Money, 3 June 2025

According to Kiplinger, this action can signal Trump’s willingness to condone these actions and activities to his supporters. —Nathan Goldman, Forbes.com, 1 June 2025

That was decades before AI’s use – both condoned by professors and not – was on the rise. —Ira Porter, Christian Science Monitor, 23 May 2025

But the state acquittal sends a dangerous message to Memphis and the nation that local authorities condone such behavior, and that no citizens, especially its Black ones, are safe. —Leonard Greene, New York Daily News, 11 May 2025

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