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
-
When investment pauses, jobs and competitiveness are put at risk all across our communities.—
Steve Sadin,
Chicago Tribune,
9 Mar. 2026
-
American sports have long been built around pauses in play that double as inventory for advertisers.—
Tristan Bove,
Fortune,
9 Mar. 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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Being the president and all, Richard pardons himself and Jenny.—
Allison DeGrushe,
Entertainment Weekly,
20 Feb. 2026
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Trump pardons 5 former NFL stars for wide-ranging crimes.—
,
FOXNews.com,
13 Feb. 2026
Verb
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QatarEnergy, the Gulf nation's state-run petroleum firm that handles all of its oil and gas business, said Wednesday that was declaring Force Majeure, a measure that relieves a company of its contractual obligations when it is impacted by circumstances beyond its control.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
4 Mar. 2026
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This lotion relieves and helps prevent and relieve dry skin for 24 hours.—
BestReviews,
Chicago Tribune,
25 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Last week, Hungary blocked a new package of EU sanctions on Russia in response to interruptions in Russian oil supplies that pass through Ukraine, and vowed to block a major, $106 billion EU loan destined for Kyiv until oil flows resume.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
5 Mar. 2026
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The comics will be passing the mic back and forth throughout the night, which will feature special guests, surprise moments and plenty of other unplanned interruptions that will make for a roughly four-hour show.—
Deputy Entertainment,
Los Angeles Times,
5 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Every weekday, the CNBC Investing Club with Jim Cramer releases the Homestretch — an actionable afternoon update, just in time for the last hour of trading on Wall Street.—
Jeff Marks,
CNBC,
10 Mar. 2026
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The March budget message — if approved by the City Council next week — sets the priority framework before the city releases its operating and capital budgets later in the spring.—
Devan Patel,
Mercury News,
10 Mar. 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 weight drop also aids the electrical efficiency of the new engines, which rely much more on battery power than the previous generation.—
Luke Smith,
New York Times,
4 Mar. 2026
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Papaya is also known for its high fiber content, which aids in digestion and promotes regular bowel movements.—
Lana Barhum,
Verywell Health,
3 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Reprieves.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reprieves. Accessed 12 Mar. 2026.
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