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
Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 24 Apr. 2026
The French dip haven (which maintains a friendly rivalry with Philippe the Original downtown over who invented the sandwich) has seen late reprieves before.
—James Rainey, Los Angeles Times, 27 Mar. 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
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
The French dip haven (which maintains a friendly rivalry with Philippe the Original downtown over who invented the sandwich) has seen late reprieves before.
—James Rainey, Los Angeles Times, 27 Mar. 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
-
Women also have more hypopneas (shallow breaths with less oxygen flow), whereas men tend toward apneas (complete pauses in breathing).—
Katie Camero,
SELF,
16 Apr. 2026
-
According to the Cleveland Clinic, premature babies can experience these pauses along with a slow heart rate or low blood oxygen levels.—
Kayla Grant,
PEOPLE,
16 Apr. 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
-
President Kennedy pardons his predecessor, Nixon, for his involvement in the Watergate scandal.—
Richard Edwards,
Space.com,
17 Apr. 2026
-
Being the president and all, Richard pardons himself and Jenny.—
Allison DeGrushe,
Entertainment Weekly,
20 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
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
-
The Deep Sleep Superblend of lavender, chamomile and vetivert relieves stress, supporting relaxation and promoting restful sleep.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
18 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Burke spoke only to consent to intermittent interruptions of his preliminary hearing, allowing the court to address other pending matters.—
Nancy Dillon,
Rolling Stone,
23 Apr. 2026
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Quality family time without interruptions or distractions is easily found here.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
23 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The critics are weighing in on the big-budget Michael Jackson biopic Michael, which releases globally this weekend.—
Andreas Wiseman,
Deadline,
21 Apr. 2026
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The emitter on a drip irrigation system is a small device that slowly releases water from the system’s tubes into the soil.—
Alexandra Kelly,
Martha Stewart,
20 Apr. 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
-
This element aids the MEU with support such as medical and dental assistance, motor transport, supply, equipment maintenance and landings.—
George Petras,
USA Today,
18 Mar. 2026
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Sleep aids all work to help relax your body and improve your sleep in different ways.—
Kirstyn Hill,
Health,
13 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Reprieves.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reprieves. Accessed 25 Apr. 2026.
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