reprieve 1 of 2

noun

Definition of reprievenext
1
as in pause
a temporary halt in an activity or condition The pool offered a welcome reprieve from the heat.

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2
as in parole
law a temporary release from the obligation to serve punishment for a crime The judge ordered a reprieve of the execution so the accused would have time to appeal the decision.

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reprieve

2 of 2

verb

1
as in to pardon

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2
as in to relieve

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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 reprieve
Noun
Those mourning the end of Ted Lasso Season 4 have some reprieve coming in the approach of Apple TV’s Stick Season 2. — Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 8 Oct. 2026 After more than an hour, the governor called off the execution and gave Carruthers a one-year reprieve. — Keri Blakinger, ProPublica, 6 Oct. 2026
Verb
The sanction reprieves are aimed at easing oil prices by at least temporarily boosting supply. — Joe Walsh, CBS News, 20 Mar. 2026 Then, Bill Clinton offered 11th-hour reprieves to his half brother Roger and Democrat superdonor Marc Rich. — Willem Marx, Vanity Fair, 18 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for reprieve
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reprieve
  1. pause
  2. parole
  3. pardon
  4. relieve
  5. interruption
  6. commutation
  7. aid
  8. break
Noun
  • Prior to the pause, Verizon had told the FCC that the old-school copper networks will remain in place for areas where its replacement solution falls short of Commission standards.
    — Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 9 Oct. 2026
  • But, in a moment where the AI industry is filled with existential anxiety, and even its leaders are calling for brakes, Haugen isn’t advocating for a pause in AI development.
    — Beatrice Nolan, Fortune, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of pause
Noun
  • The man remained held without bail at the Placer County Jail in Auburn in connection with his parole violation.
    — Nicole Buss, Sacbee.com, 7 Oct. 2026
  • Newsom had denied a previous decision granting parole to Van Houten but was overruled by an appellate court.
    — Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of parole
Verb
  • The beach itself is worth venturing to even for a day visit, but staying on this peaceful, postcard-perfect cove had me—pardon the nautical pun— falling hook, line, and sinker for Milos.
    — Callie Thorpe, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Oct. 2026
  • Trump has resumed power, many of the January 6 rioters were pardoned, and misinformation is in the water.
    — Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of pardon
Verb
  • After a walk loaded the bases, Erik Sabrowski relieved and struck out Munetaka Murakami on a foul tip, the pitcher letting out a yell.
    — Joe Reedy, Los Angeles Times, 11 Oct. 2026
  • The White Sox loaded the bases in the sixth inning before Erik Sabrowski relieved Williams and struck out Murakami.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 11 Oct. 2026
Definition of relieve
Noun
  • Shorter supply routes could help reduce exposure to transport interruptions and improve access to essential fuels during emergencies.
    — Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Those numbers assume the S&P 500 returns more than 10% a year without interruption for 55 years.
    — Fernanda Tronco, Fortune, 12 Oct. 2026
Definition of interruption
Noun
  • Attorneys call for commutation Pike was initially scheduled to be executed on Wednesday morning, but last-minute legal appeals delayed the execution to later in the day.
    — Eric Levenson, CNN Money, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Continue reading … FIGHT FOR HER LIFE — Christa Pike’s lawyers demand commutation after Tennessee's botched execution.
    — , FOXNews.com, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of commutation
Verb
  • Wearable sensors could aid therapy The researchers envision garments that let users control video game characters or operate robots remotely.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 9 Oct. 2026
  • Lawyers for victims’ relatives claim that a group of extremist religious leaders in Saudi Arabia aided the hijackers.
    — Tom Winter, NBC news, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of aid
Noun
  • The prototype was tested on one construction worker during normal activities, including movement, breaks, drinking water and eating.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 10 Oct. 2026
  • Sandy Powell, who is in the film, became a celebrated costume designer, and one of her first breaks was through Derek’s films.
    — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of break

Browse Nearby Words

repressive
reprieve
reprieved
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Cite this Entry

“Reprieve.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reprieve. Accessed 15 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on reprieve

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about reprieve

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