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pardon Synonyms

Another word for pardon

Choosing another word for pardon depends on context, so the 19 synonyms and similar words below are separated across 6 exact definitions and ranked by match strength.
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• noun (Context 1)

The action of forgiving or being forgiven for an error, offense, or discourtesy.

Usage Example

"He begged her forgiveness for arriving so late to the dinner party."

Strongest
forgiveness
Strong
absolution
mercy
remission

• noun (Context 2)

An official decision by a head of state or legal authority to exempt a convicted person from the legal consequences and punishment of a crime.

Usage Example

"The governor granted a full amnesty to the prisoner after new evidence came to light."

Strongest
amnesty
clemency
Strong
reprieve
exoneration
acquittal

• verb (Context 3)

To forgive or excuse a person, error, or minor offense.

Usage Example

"Please forgive the mess in the living room while we finish renovating."

Strongest
forgive
excuse
Strong
overlook
condone

• interjection (Context 4)

Used as a polite request for a speaker to repeat something that was not heard or understood.

Usage Example

"excuse me? I couldn't quite hear what you said over the noise of the train."

Strongest
excuse me
sorry

• verb (Context 5)

To officially release someone from the legal punishment or consequences of an offense.

Usage Example

"The president decided to absolve several nonviolent offenders before leaving office."

Strongest
absolve
Strong
exonerate
reprieve
amnesty
acquit

• interjection (Context 6)

Used to apologize politely for a minor social faux pas, interruption, or accidental bump.

Usage Example

"excuse me, I didn't realize someone was already sitting in this chair."

Strongest
excuse me
sorry
Strong
forgive me

Opposites of pardon

The opposite of pardon shifts depending on context. Common opposites include:

conviction
convict
sentence
condemnation
punish
condemn
punishment
blame
See all opposites of pardon

Cite this Entry


Wordmom. (2026). Synonyms for Pardon. In Wordmom Thesaurus. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/synonyms/pardon
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