pardon 1 of 2

pardon

2 of 2

verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb pardon differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of pardon are condone, excuse, and forgive. While all these words mean "to exact neither punishment nor redress," pardon implies that one remits a penalty due for an admitted or established offense.

pardon a criminal

When is condone a more appropriate choice than pardon?

In some situations, the words condone and pardon are roughly equivalent. However, 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 might excuse be a better fit than pardon?

The words excuse and pardon 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 can forgive be used instead of pardon?

The synonyms forgive and pardon are sometimes interchangeable, but forgive implies that one gives up all claim to requital and to resentment or vengeful feelings.

could not forgive their rudeness

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 pardon
Noun
The most egregious decisions were the Jan. 6 pardons and DOJ settling a lawsuit by the Ashli Babbitt family for $5 million. Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 14 June 2025 Notably, the former president used a real pen for the pardon of his son, Hunter Biden, which protects him from prosecution for possible crimes for an 11-year period. Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 10 June 2025
Verb
Milton was pardoned before a judge had a chance to approve that figure, but experts said judges typically hew closely to prosecutors' calculations. Lucien Bruggeman, ABC News, 12 June 2025 Enrique Tarrio, the former Proud Boys leader from Miami who President Donald Trump pardoned for his participation in the Jan. 6 attack, wants citizens to take deporting undocumented immigrants into their own hands. Syra Ortiz Blanes, Miami Herald, 12 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for pardon
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pardon
Noun
  • In that time, borrowers have seen policy changes, inaccurate payment information, and unfulfilled promises of loan forgiveness.
    Chris Morris, Fortune, 24 June 2025
  • The procession is a part of the Catholic Church’s Jubilee Year which occurs every 25 years to celebrate forgiveness and often features a pilgrimage to a sacred site.
    Jack Rodriquez-Vars, Sacbee.com, 21 June 2025
Verb
  • Each of their three goals was well-worked in their own way, pulling Pachuca’s shape apart with such ease that you would be forgiven for thinking Alonso’s side were the ones with the player advantage.
    Dermot Corrigan, New York Times, 22 June 2025
  • But even the most committed cinephiles should forgive anyone who averts their gaze from Camp and Wilson’s disastrous misfire.
    Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 20 June 2025
Verb
  • Despite weeks of calling for a ceasefire in Ukraine, Trump has been ignored by Putin, who continues his aggression.
    Tom Zirpoli, Baltimore Sun, 17 June 2025
  • If another catastrophe were to occur—especially one brought on by ignoring the essential stepping stone of the moon—the backlash could be far more severe.
    Avery Padraic Kerrigan, Hartford Courant, 17 June 2025
Noun
  • None was prosecuted despite the post-apartheid Truth and Reconciliation Commission identifying them and denying them amnesty in the late 1990s.
    Michelle Gumede, Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2025
  • The fireworks amnesty events will both run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, June 21.
    Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado, Sacbee.com, 19 June 2025
Verb
  • The family-run property’s 36 rooms and suites are scattered throughout three homes overlooking the water, and, despite its small size, offers amenities worthy of a larger resort, from the lakeside Boat Bar (a favorite at sunset) to a spa complete with an infrared sauna and body wrap cabin.
    Lane Nieset, Travel + Leisure, 22 June 2025
  • The Lowdown The private estate overlooking the Mediterranean was renovated by local architect Luc Svetchine, whose father, André, first restored the buildings 50 years ago.
    Mark Ellwood, Robb Report, 22 June 2025
Verb
  • This is what happens when incitement is normalized and hate is excused under the guise of political expression.
    Lisa Katz, New York Daily News, 22 June 2025
  • More covert and implicit behaviors are also easier for abusers to deflect, excuse away, and blame their partner for.
    Maia Niguel Hoskin, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Pardon.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pardon. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

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