Synonyms of pardon

pardon 1 of 2

noun

ˈpär-dᵊn 

as in forgiveness

release from the guilt or penalty of an offense

the criminal is hoping for a presidential pardon

Synonyms & Similar Words

• forgiveness
• amnesty
• absolution
• immunity
• remission
• parole
• remittal
• acquittal
• vindication
• exoneration
• exemption
• clemency
• indemnity
• commutation
• exculpation
• leniency
• impunity
• condonation
• mercy
• reprieve
• commuting

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• punishment
• penalty
• sentence
• conviction
• retribution
• assessment
• charge
• fine
• imposition
• condemnation
• levying
• chastisement
• castigation
• chastening

pardon

2 of 2

verb

1

as in to forgive

to cease to have feelings of anger or bitterness toward

he eventually pardoned his sister after she apologized

Synonyms & Similar Words

• forgive
• ignore
• exonerate
• excuse
• absolve
• vindicate
• acquit
• exculpate
• disregard
• remit
• pass over
• shrive
• release
• redeem
• condone
• liberate
• clear
• discharge
• shrug off
• unburden

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• hate
• resent
• despise
• dislike
• redress
• detest
• loathe
• abhor
• punish
• avenge
• revenge
• retaliate
• penalize
• execrate
• abominate
• discipline
• requite

2

as in to ignore

to dismiss as of little importance

I'm willing to pardon a little sloppiness of dress in such a kind and loving person

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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

Recent Examples of pardon

Noun

Other presidential powers include the negotiation of treaties and the granting of pardons. — Tracy Grant, Encyclopedia Britannica, 26 Aug. 2026

Soon after, Reece learns that he’s been granted a full pardon for his past crimes in exchange for his agreement to participate in a new mission with the SEALs and CIA. — Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 23 Aug. 2026

Verb

The president does not have the power to pardon Lindsay Clancy, because she isn't charged with any federal crimes. — Kristina Rex, CBS News, 8 Sep. 2026

The news was shared this week by Alice Marie Johnson, who was pardoned by Trump in 2020 after being sentenced to life in prison on a nonviolent drug charge in 1996. — Emily Trainham, FOXNews.com, 5 Sep. 2026