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
-
These types of leaders rely on pauses to shift group dynamics from reaction to reflection.—
Cheryl Robinson,
Forbes.com,
26 Jan. 2026
-
It was not specified how long the pauses would last.—
Alexx Altman-Devilbiss,
Baltimore Sun,
23 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
The governor has made a tradition of issuing pardons and commutations ahead of the holiday season.—
Kevin Dolak,
HollywoodReporter,
18 Dec. 2025
-
Successful clemency petitions, either in the form of pardons or sentence commutations are rare — especially for someone convicted of violent crimes.—
Kristine Phillips,
IndyStar,
8 Dec. 2025
Verb
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May 29 — In one of many conciliatory moves toward the hip-hop community, Trump pardons Young Boy NBA on a guns conviction.—
Chris Willman,
Variety,
31 Dec. 2025
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Tennessee governor pardons country star Jelly Roll After years of struggle and transformation, country musician Jelly Roll was pardoned by Tennessee’s governor for his criminal past in the state.—
Alexandra Banner,
CNN Money,
19 Dec. 2025
Verb
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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
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This helps water flow as the ice melts and relieves pressure, reducing the risk of the pipe bursting.—
Mary Wasson,
Austin American Statesman,
27 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Google says the new setup is meant to reduce tab overload and interruptions.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
29 Jan. 2026
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For example, block time each morning for deep work so that critical tasks always get attention before meetings and interruptions take over.—
Sho Dewan,
Forbes.com,
27 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Currently, sewage and industrial waste drops from culvert pipes onto rocks below, creating splashing that releases airborne pollutants.—
Walker Armstrong,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
27 Jan. 2026
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Viewing it releases a surplus of dopamine in the brain that leads your body to crave even more dopamine, creating a cycle of addiction.—
Beth Collums,
AJC.com,
27 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Discretionary paroles have also plummeted.—
Shaun Boyd,
CBS News,
27 Jan. 2026
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Although their paroles were denied, the brothers can ask the parole board to review the case for errors, according to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.—
Emily Shapiro,
ABC News,
22 Aug. 2025
Verb
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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
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An appropriate portfolio aids you in capitalizing on gains and mitigating losses from individual stock declines.—
Trefis Team,
Forbes.com,
16 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Reprieves.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reprieves. Accessed 31 Jan. 2026.
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