1
as in pause
a temporary halt in an activity or condition
The pool offered a welcome reprieve from the heat.
Related Words
Relevance
Dissimilar Words
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
Dissimilar Words
1
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
Essence, 20 May 2025
Musk’s reprieves: Regulatory problems that have dogged tech billionaire Elon Musk and his business empire in recent years have begun to melt away under the Trump administration.
—Amina Kilpatrick, NBC news, 11 May 2025
PC Magazine, 17 Sep. 2025
These agreements often last only six to nine months — a short reprieve that leaves boards exposed in the next proxy season.
—Kai Liekefett, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for reprieve
Noun
The act of hospitality is a practice of rest, reprieve, and community repair.
—Essence, 20 May 2025
Musk’s reprieves: Regulatory problems that have dogged tech billionaire Elon Musk and his business empire in recent years have begun to melt away under the Trump administration.
—Amina Kilpatrick, NBC news, 11 May 2025
Verb
Of course, there is always a chance for a last-minute reprieve.
—PC Magazine, 17 Sep. 2025
These agreements often last only six to nine months — a short reprieve that leaves boards exposed in the next proxy season.
—Kai Liekefett, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for reprieve
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reprieve
Noun
-
After battling Bukele in public and her own embassy in private, Manes announced a pause in diplomatic relations and left El Salvador in late 2021.—
T. Christian Miller,
ProPublica,
30 Sep. 2025
-
His showing over the weekend, however, should at least give the Canucks some pause.—
Thomas Drance,
New York Times,
29 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
He was later sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.—
Emily Blackwood,
PEOPLE,
27 Sep. 2025
-
Carson was convicted of murder and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole; Milam was sentenced to death.—
Amanda Lee Myers,
USA Today,
26 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
In mid-August, Meredith drove to Miami for a gathering of pardoned J6ers and other MAGA minor celebrities.—
Charles Bethea,
New Yorker,
24 Sep. 2025
-
He was pardoned in a presidential decree along with five others, according to Egyptian state media.—
Mostafa Salem,
CNN Money,
22 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Supporters say the plan will relieve traffic congestion and improve the region’s infrastructure.—
Mary Ramsey,
Charlotte Observer,
30 Sep. 2025
-
Leonard was relieved from the podium, and went about the rest of his afternoon.—
Law Murray,
New York Times,
30 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Later today, expect interruptions to your work routine, and possibly your health.—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
26 Sep. 2025
-
Mail delivery, package services, and post office operations continue without interruption.—
Nik Popli,
Time,
25 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Newsom granted a commutation to Arthur Battle, convicted of murder for a 2006 contract killing.—
Daniel Lempres,
Sacbee.com,
31 Aug. 2025
-
The commutation, one of 10 granted by the governor Friday, allows Cuong Tran to make his case for parole earlier than expected.—
Jason Green,
Mercury News,
30 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
Photos from the scene show several police cars and fire trucks outside the American Fish Company as first responders aided the injured.—
Escher Walcott,
PEOPLE,
28 Sep. 2025
-
There have been a lot of calls for arms embargoes and a halt to aid for Israel.—
Andrew Stanton,
MSNBC Newsweek,
28 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
The struggling Dolphins appear to at least be getting a break on bad weather.—
Alex Harris,
Miami Herald,
28 Sep. 2025
-
Back in early 2023, the star explained why one of those breaks was longer than normal.—
Nicholas Rice,
PEOPLE,
28 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Reprieve.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reprieve. Accessed 1 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share