1
as in pauses
a temporary halt in an activity or condition
The pool offered a welcome reprieve from the heat.
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2
as in commutations
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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of reprieves
Kate Linthicum, Los Angeles Times, 30 Apr. 2026
MicroStockHub/Getty Images The mortgage rate dips that may have seemed like brief but temporary reprieves just a few weeks ago are starting to look more like a trend.
—Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 24 Apr. 2026
One of those reprieves came only hours before.
—Kevin Grasha, Cincinnati Enquirer, 6 Mar. 2026
Another 17 inmates so far are scheduled to be put to death this year, including a woman in Tennessee, though that number will change significantly as governors approve more death warrants or inmates win reprieves.
—Amanda Lee Myers, USA Today, 29 Jan. 2026
She was granted several reprieves under the Biden administration but was arrested at her workplace in March.
—Seth Klamann, Denver Post, 22 Dec. 2025
If moments like that suggest that Bigelow weaves in occasional reprieves from the anxiety, that’s not the case.
—David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 2 Sep. 2025
Newsom has issued 247 pardons, 160 commutations and 42 reprieves since taking office, his office said.
—Daniel Lempres, Sacbee.com, 31 Aug. 2025
Noun
Extradition requests typically drag on for months, sometimes years, as those targeted seek reprieves from Mexican courts.
—Kate Linthicum, Los Angeles Times, 30 Apr. 2026
MicroStockHub/Getty Images The mortgage rate dips that may have seemed like brief but temporary reprieves just a few weeks ago are starting to look more like a trend.
—Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 24 Apr. 2026
One of those reprieves came only hours before.
—Kevin Grasha, Cincinnati Enquirer, 6 Mar. 2026
Another 17 inmates so far are scheduled to be put to death this year, including a woman in Tennessee, though that number will change significantly as governors approve more death warrants or inmates win reprieves.
—Amanda Lee Myers, USA Today, 29 Jan. 2026
She was granted several reprieves under the Biden administration but was arrested at her workplace in March.
—Seth Klamann, Denver Post, 22 Dec. 2025
If moments like that suggest that Bigelow weaves in occasional reprieves from the anxiety, that’s not the case.
—David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 2 Sep. 2025
Newsom has issued 247 pardons, 160 commutations and 42 reprieves since taking office, his office said.
—Daniel Lempres, Sacbee.com, 31 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reprieves
Noun
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There are also sections called a Cup of Tea with Meg, conversational pauses that feel like sitting across from someone who is not trying to sell you anything.—
Nia Bowers,
USA Today,
8 May 2026
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More often than not, the request gets the big kids’ attention, and chaos ceases (pauses) as the three of them roll around singing while Marc and I stand in the doorway kvelling.—
Risa Polansky Shiman,
Sun Sentinel,
6 May 2026
Noun
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Trump previously gave these members of extremist groups commutations instead of full pardons.—
Brittney Melton,
NPR,
16 Apr. 2026
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And the punishment must be carried out within 90 days of sentencing without any possibility for pardons or commutations.—
Matt Bradley,
NBC news,
1 Apr. 2026
Verb
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President Kennedy pardons his predecessor, Nixon, for his involvement in the Watergate scandal.—
Richard Edwards,
Space.com,
17 Apr. 2026
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Being the president and all, Richard pardons himself and Jenny.—
Allison DeGrushe,
Entertainment Weekly,
20 Feb. 2026
Verb
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This measure also relieves pressure on the broader state budget by leaving more funds available for priorities like Medicaid, behavioral health, infrastructure, and public safety.—
Kevin Vick,
Denver Post,
26 Apr. 2026
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The programming is designed for all fitness levels and also relieves tension, reduces stress and supports hormonal and metabolic health.—
Sean Krofssik,
Hartford Courant,
20 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Klaus talks to his sister in California on an elegant brass and Bakelite 1940s telephone (the props are divine throughout), complete with operator interruptions.—
Leslie Felperin,
HollywoodReporter,
14 May 2026
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Residents can generally expect to use household electrical appliances without interruptions, according to the company.—
Jeremy Hsu,
ArsTechnica,
12 May 2026
Verb
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When the imbalance becomes strong enough, the cloud releases energy in a rapid electrical discharge, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.—
Brandi D. Addison,
USA Today,
12 May 2026
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The idea works because copper releases small amounts of ions into the water.—
Jessica Safavimehr,
Southern Living,
12 May 2026
Noun
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While Singh’s lawyer Jitender Khurana denies any political motive for his client’s paroles, his previous releases coincided with crucial state elections, fueling speculation that his freedom is a reward for the Dera’s electoral support.—
Rhea Mogul,
CNN Money,
6 Feb. 2026
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Discretionary paroles have also plummeted.—
Shaun Boyd,
CBS News,
27 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The addition of spoken word passages by local Geordie poet Cooper Robson, who drifts through balladic descriptions of community, working-class masculinity, and pickled onions, aids Knats in their explorations of their hometown.—
Archie Forde,
Pitchfork,
1 May 2026
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Under Florida law, anyone who aids, abets or counsels someone in the commission of a crime may be considered a principal in the first degree.—
Julia Shapero,
The Hill,
21 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Reprieves.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reprieves. Accessed 15 May. 2026.
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