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
• cessation
• interlude
• recess
• stopping
• interval
• finishing
• intermission
• stoppage
• discontinuance
• ending
• termination
• downtime
• moratorium
• expiration
• lapse
• abeyance
• hitch
• postponement
• hiatus
• setback
• surcease
• deferment
• deferral
• delay
• discontinuity
• hesitation
• gap
• lag
• 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 joint action in late July came after the yen slid toward 164 per dollar, hovering near its weakest level in four decades, and has put the Bank of Japan's September policy meeting at the center of whether that reprieve holds. — Anniek Bao, CNBC, 13 Aug. 2026

Tennessee called off Carruthers' execution after a doctor failed to insert a backup intravenous line for about two hours, prompting Lee to grant Carruthers a one-year reprieve. — Amanda Lee Myers, USA Today, 13 Aug. 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