pardoning 1 of 2

Definition of pardoningnext

pardoning

2 of 2

verb

present participle of pardon

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 pardoning
Verb
His legal restoration began in 2020 with Trump pardoning him for lying to the FBI. Michael Loria, USA Today, 26 Mar. 2026 Trump has repeatedly and publicly called for her release since his return to office last year, and he’s castigated Polis for not pardoning her or transferring her into federal custody. Seth Klamann, Denver Post, 11 Mar. 2026 In response to a request for comment about the recent social media campaign, a White House spokesperson reiterated to Fortune that Trump has no intention of pardoning Bankman-Fried. Leo Schwartz, Fortune, 24 Feb. 2026 Trump started his second presidency by pardoning the insurrectionists who’d wanted to unlawfully extend his first. Tom Nichols, The Atlantic, 23 Feb. 2026 Nearly a century later, in 1977, Jimmy Carter helped mend the divisions plaguing the United States in the aftermath of the Vietnam War by pardoning those who had dodged the draft. Bernadette Meyler, Harpers Magazine, 27 Jan. 2026 South Korea has a history of pardoning former presidents who were jailed over diverse crimes in the name of promoting national unity. Hyung-Jin Kim, Los Angeles Times, 16 Jan. 2026 Thursday’s report is not the first time the possibility of Trump pardoning Combs has been publicly discussed. Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 9 Jan. 2026 Trump previously voiced support for pardoning Netanyahu and discussed the matter during their Monday meeting at Mar-a-Lago. Christian Datoc, The Washington Examiner, 29 Dec. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pardoning
Verb
  • For now, at least, the audience seems forgiving, which lets Jomboy try new things.
    Louisa Thomas, New Yorker, 12 Apr. 2026
  • This little houseplant is easy for beginners, safe around pets, purifies the air, and is forgiving of neglect.
    Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 5 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Separate video from Washington shows House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries ignoring a CNN reporter’s question about what should happen with Cherfilus-McCormick.
    Anthony Man, Sun Sentinel, 14 Apr. 2026
  • In that 2024 series, the Wolves used Rudy Gobert as a roving rim protector while ignoring Aaron Gordon in the corner.
    Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 13 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The family room has an original Eastlake-style mantle over a gas fireplace, floor-to-ceiling bookcases and a five-window bay overlooking Burton Street.
    Lauryn Azu, Chicago Tribune, 16 Apr. 2026
  • The bedrooms include a primary suite (stay here for a private terrace with valley views), plus additional rooms overlooking the gardens.
    Angela Tafoya, Vogue, 16 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Jacqueline Ferrara, a Garland Police Department forensic biology and DNA analyst, testified remotely, explaining how evidence in this case was collected and tested at a Texas Department of Public Safety crime lab in early 2023.
    Lauren Crawford, CBS News, 14 Apr. 2026
  • While inside the bank, Connie secretly begged for help by writing a note explaining the situation and giving it to the bank teller.
    Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 14 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Consistently, independent polls showed the opposition with a sizable lead, but Western diplomats in Budapest cautioned me not to underestimate Orbán’s ability to mobilize voters at the last moment, or to manufacture circumstances justifying a state of emergency.
    Isaac Stanley-Becker, The Atlantic, 12 Apr. 2026
  • In the meantime, Varsity faces a Thursday deadline to submit arguments justifying why, at its insistence, a bulk of the docket to date has been filed under seal.
    Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 8 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Morgan said the police officer and the city are fair game — especially if Patel’s attorneys can show certain exculpatory evidence was withheld.
    Shaddi Abusaid, AJC.com, 9 Feb. 2026
  • In a separate court filing submitted Monday, Cole’s attorneys also demanded broad discovery, including all statements attributed to him, investigative notes, information about the FBI’s use of informants to identify Cole as a suspect, and any exculpatory material.
    Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 29 Dec. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pardoning.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pardoning. Accessed 19 Apr. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on pardoning

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster