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
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
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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The other performances are equally remote — this is the kind of a movie where nobody talks over anybody else’s lines, with steady pauses between each piece of dialogue — keeping the viewer at a certain distance.—
Jordan Mintzer,
HollywoodReporter,
17 Feb. 2026
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Funding was eventually restored after a series of lawsuits challenging payment pauses, eligibility requirements, and requests from the federal government for sensitive citizen data.—
Isa Almeida,
Oklahoman,
14 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Alan Jackson, the celebrity legal eagle, doesn’t recommend clients entrust their social media accounts to third parties —even if those clients crave commutations.—
Andrew Zucker,
HollywoodReporter,
13 Feb. 2026
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The White House doesn’t comment on potential clemency requests, but the president is the ultimate decider on pardons and commutations.—
Jacqueline Munis,
Fortune,
23 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Trump pardons 5 former NFL stars for wide-ranging crimes.—
,
FOXNews.com,
13 Feb. 2026
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These changes would ensure a more merciful society, one that pardons in the name not of a sovereign president, but of the people.—
Bernadette Meyler,
Harpers Magazine,
27 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Moving water is less likely to freeze and relieves that pressure.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
3 Feb. 2026
-
Plush cushioning on the insoles relieves tired feet during the day, making these comfortable enough to wear for hours.—
Sophie Dodd,
Travel + Leisure,
29 Jan. 2026
Noun
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That reduces interruptions during development workflows.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
19 Feb. 2026
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Damages often reflect medical needs, work interruptions, and the aftermath of the incident.—
Maria Williams,
USA Today,
17 Feb. 2026
Verb
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To sum up the series finale’s key moments, in the college timeline, Bree (Cat Missal), in a rage of anger after finding out that Lucy (Grace Van Patten) was the person Evan (Branden Cook) had cheated with, releases the tape of Lucy admitting to lying about being raped.—
Emily Longeretta,
Variety,
17 Feb. 2026
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Who releases Lucy's confession tape?—
Pamela Avila,
USA Today,
17 Feb. 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 tuber also provides vitamin C, which acts as an antioxidant, and fiber, which aids digestion, boosts satiety, and regulates blood sugar.—
Kirsten Nunez,
Martha Stewart,
4 Feb. 2026
-
The calcium found in milk is also packaged with vitamin D, which aids in the absorption of calcium.—
Mira Miller,
Verywell Health,
19 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Reprieves.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reprieves. Accessed 21 Feb. 2026.
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