Synonyms of reprieve

reprieve 1 of 2

noun

1

as in pause

a temporary halt in an activity or condition

The pool offered a welcome reprieve from the heat.

Related Words

• pause
• interruption
• break
• suspension
• respite
• lull
• breather
• rest
• breath
• interim
• time-out
• interlude
• recess
• cessation
• stopping
• interval
• finishing
• intermission
• stoppage
• discontinuance
• ending
• termination
• downtime
• moratorium
• expiration
• lapse
• abeyance
• hitch
• postponement
• hiatus
• surcease
• setback
• deferment
• deferral
• delay
• discontinuity
• hesitation
• lag
• gap
• slowdown
• wait
• detention
• holdup
• foot-dragging
• holding pattern
• holdback
• detainment

Dissimilar Words

• continuation
• progress
• persistence
• endurance
• extension
• progression
• prolongation

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.

Related Words

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

Dissimilar Words

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

reprieve

2 of 2

verb

1

as in to pardon

Related Words

• pardon

Dissimilar Words

• sentence
• condemn
• judge
• damn
• doom
• adjudge
• punish
• discipline
• censure
• correct
• penalize
• chastise
• castigate
• chasten

2

as in to relieve

Related Words

• relieve
• aid
• release
• assist
• deliver
• help
• comfort
• solace
• abet
• succor
• content
• console
• quiet
• soothe

Dissimilar Words

• anguish
• torment
• plague
• torture
• curse
• beset
• afflict
• persecute
• attack
• rack
• agonize
• besiege
• bedevil
• pursue
• ride
• dog
• harrow
• assail
• excruciate
• hound
• badger

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of reprieve

Noun

The investment has also led to growth and Hoyt worries a place that used to be a reprieve from high Portland housing prices has developed a similar reputation for being unaffordable. — Saige Miller, NPR, 11 Oct. 2026

As Georgia recovers from the storm’s high winds and heavy rain that pummeled the state over the weekend, a reprieve appears to be up ahead. — Taylor Croft, AJC.com, 11 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