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
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
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
-
Taking intentional pauses is key, too.—
Helen Carefoot,
Flow Space,
8 Jan. 2026
-
The pauses are just as much dialogue as the words.—
Beatrice Verhoeven,
HollywoodReporter,
6 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Several pardons and commutations issued by former President Joe Biden sparked controversy.—
David Mark,
The Washington Examiner,
31 Oct. 2025
-
More than 13,000 people have applied for federal clemency since 2021, yet only a few hundred have received pardons or commutations.—
Khalil Cumberbatch,
MSNBC Newsweek,
29 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
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
-
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
-
That thick sole relieves pressure and pain, especially pain associated with conditions like plantar fasciitis.—
Olivia Young,
Travel + Leisure,
8 Oct. 2025
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This deep tissue massage relieves tension in my head, neck, and shoulders without any effort.—
Jacquelyn Smith,
Parents,
27 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
The sudden sting, the constant urge to run to the bathroom and the interruptions to work or intimacy can feel both embarrassing and unsettling.—
Daryl Austin,
USA Today,
7 Nov. 2025
-
On Wednesday, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said airline traffic will be reduced by 10% across 40 locations starting Friday amid staffing interruptions.—
Juliana Kim,
NPR,
6 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
That gas feeds the central black hole, which then releases gentle energy—enough to prevent new stars from forming, but not enough to destroy the galaxy.—
Rupendra Brahambhatt,
Interesting Engineering,
10 Jan. 2026
-
Take a look at this week’s best new music releases below.—
Okla Jones,
Essence,
9 Jan. 2026
Noun
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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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Soft-close cabinetry is another staple of 2026 kitchen design, according to the report, a trait that not only aids durability but also prevents jarring noises.—
Kristina McGuirk,
Better Homes & Gardens,
10 Jan. 2026
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Leaving branches in place until the tree is established yields better foliage growth that aids root establishment in the first year after transplanting.—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
Southern Living,
30 Dec. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Reprieves.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reprieves. Accessed 11 Jan. 2026.
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