Absolution — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /ˌab-sə-ˈlü-shən/ ab·so·lu·tion

Meaning & Definition of Absolution

Absolution (noun)

  1. the act of forgiving someone for having done something wrong or sinful, the act of absolving someone or the state of being absolved; specifically, a remission of sins pronounced by a priest (as in the sacrament of reconciliation)

Absolution (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. release from the guilt or penalty of an offense

    "the jury's verdict of not guilty was absolution in the eyes of the law, but the verdict would always be guilty in the court of public opinion"

    similar: amnesty, forgiveness, pardon, remission, remittal
    related: parole, acquittal, exculpation, exoneration, vindication, condonation, exemption, immunity, impunity, indemnity, commutation, commuting, reprieve, clemency, leniency, mercy
    opposite: penalty, punishment, retribution
    near: conviction, sentence, assessment, charge, fine, imposition, levying, castigation, chastening, chastisement, condemnation

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Absolution

The most common words with a similar meaning to Absolution:

amnesty, forgiveness, pardon, remission, remittal

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Absolution

Words with the opposite meaning of Absolution:

penalty, punishment, retribution

Related Words for Absolution

parole, acquittal, exculpation, exoneration, vindication, condonation, exemption, immunity, impunity, indemnity, commutation, commuting, reprieve, clemency, leniency, mercy

Near Antonyms of Absolution

conviction, sentence, assessment, charge, fine, imposition, levying, castigation, chastening, chastisement, condemnation

Origin & Etymology of Absolution

Middle English absoluciun, borrowed from Anglo-French, borrowed from Latin absolūtiōn-, absolūtiō "completion, acquittal, release," from absolū- (stem, before consonants, of absolvere "to set free, acquit, finish") + -tiōn-, -tiō suffix of action nouns absolve

First known use: 13th century

Frequently Asked Questions about Absolution

What does "Absolution" mean?

"Absolution" means the act of forgiving someone for having done something wrong or sinful, the act of absolving someone or the state of being absolved; specifically, a remission of sins pronounced by a priest (as in the sacrament of reconciliation). As a noun, it is defined as: the act of forgiving someone for having done something wrong or sinful, the act of absolving someone or the state of being absolved; specifically, a remission of sins pronounced by a priest (as in the sacrament of reconciliation).

What is another word for "Absolution"?

Other words for "Absolution" include amnesty, forgiveness, pardon, remission and remittal. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Absolution" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Absolution"?

There are 21 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Absolution". Common alternatives include amnesty, forgiveness, pardon, remission and remittal.

What is the opposite of "Absolution"?

Antonyms of "Absolution" include penalty, punishment and retribution. Near antonyms include conviction, sentence, assessment and charge.

How do you use "Absolution" in a sentence?

Examples of "Absolution" in a sentence: "the jury's verdict of not guilty was absolution in the eyes of the law, but the verdict would always be guilty in the court of public opinion".

Is "Absolution" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Absolution" is a noun.

How do you pronounce "Absolution"?

"Absolution" is pronounced /ˌab-sə-ˈlü-shən/ and divided into syllables as ab·so·lu·tion.

What is the origin of the word "Absolution"?

"Absolution" comes from Middle English absoluciun, borrowed from Anglo-French, borrowed from Latin absolūtiōn-, absolūtiō "completion, acquittal, release," from absolū- (stem, before consonants, of absolvere "to set free, acquit, finish") + -tiōn-, -tiō suffix of action nouns absolve. First known use: 13th century.