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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1
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of reprieve
David McGrath, Chicago Tribune, 1 Jan. 2026
With Travis Head having scored an incredible, match-winning 123 off 83 balls in Perth, Khawaja found himself out of the side for the third Test in Adelaide, only to earn a last-minute reprieve when Steve Smith fell ill.
—Tim Spiers, New York Times, 1 Jan. 2026
Francesca Chambers, USA Today, 31 July 2025
There have been more than enough chances and reprieve given.
—Randall Colburn, EW.com, 24 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for reprieve
Noun
The silver lining, however, is that Native Americans will get a reprieve.
—David McGrath, Chicago Tribune, 1 Jan. 2026
With Travis Head having scored an incredible, match-winning 123 off 83 balls in Perth, Khawaja found himself out of the side for the third Test in Adelaide, only to earn a last-minute reprieve when Steve Smith fell ill.
—Tim Spiers, New York Times, 1 Jan. 2026
Verb
President Donald Trump introduced last-minute stumbling blocks for several nations seeking reprieves on trade before his reciprocal tariffs begin to go into effect just after midnight.
—Francesca Chambers, USA Today, 31 July 2025
There have been more than enough chances and reprieve given.
—Randall Colburn, EW.com, 24 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for reprieve
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reprieve
Noun
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The county commissioners will hold a public hearing on the plan for Comanche Circle, and separately consider putting a temporary pause on these types of big developments.—
Elizabeth Campbell,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
13 Jan. 2026
-
Hawke gives me a Harrison Ford-length pause — not out of nervousness, but genuine thought.—
David Canfield,
HollywoodReporter,
13 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
In 2002, Andrea was found guilty of capital murder and sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole after 40 years.—
KC Baker,
PEOPLE,
11 Jan. 2026
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And lawmakers have created a path for youths previously sentenced to life without the possibility parole to seek relief.—
Teri Figueroa,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
11 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Thursday’s report is not the first time the possibility of Trump pardoning Combs has been publicly discussed.—
Angel Saunders,
PEOPLE,
9 Jan. 2026
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Advertisement If an officer is convicted of a state-law crime—regardless of whether the case plays out in federal or state court—the President does not have the power to pardon him.—
Miranda Jeyaretnam,
Time,
9 Jan. 2026
Verb
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After eight games, Lions Coach Dan Campbell opted to relieve Morton of his play-calling duties and take over for the rest of the season.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
7 Jan. 2026
-
To an extent, Adams is just relieved to have this opportunity on the field.—
Adam Grosbard,
Oc Register,
7 Jan. 2026
Noun
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In the meantime, Payton didn’t express much frustration over the interruptions to the team’s bye-week preparation.—
Luca Evans,
Denver Post,
10 Jan. 2026
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Bed bugs aren’t covered in most plans, but interruption-for-any-reason coverage could help consumers recoup some of the unused trip expenses, according to Seven Corners.—
Greg Iacurci,
CNBC,
10 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
The governor has made a tradition of issuing pardons and commutations ahead of the holiday season.—
Kevin Dolak,
HollywoodReporter,
18 Dec. 2025
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Pressley’s office did not compile a report on Biden’s pardon and commutation record, a spokeswoman confirmed.—
Daniel Arkin,
NBC news,
16 Dec. 2025
Verb
-
But aiding Capote with his work was different.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
12 Jan. 2026
-
Maduro was aided substantially by Cuban intelligence officers, who helped root out threats to his rule.—
Dexter Filkins,
New Yorker,
12 Jan. 2026
Noun
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During the journey, photos and videos are being shared online and show Aloka traveling along highways and sidewalks, resting during breaks and greeting supporters.—
Christina Shaw,
FOXNews.com,
13 Jan. 2026
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Aisha Tyler Hosting Talk Soup was a big break for Aisha Tyler, although her stint was short.—
Angela Andaloro,
PEOPLE,
13 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Reprieve.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reprieve. Accessed 15 Jan. 2026.
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