Pardon — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun verb /ˈpär-dᵊn/ par·don

Meaning & Definition of Pardon

Pardon (noun)

  1. indulgence
  2. the excusing of an offense without exacting a penalty
  3. a release from the legal penalties of an offense

Pardon (verb)

  1. to absolve from the consequences of a fault or crime
  2. to allow (an offense) to pass without punishment, forgive
  3. to relieve of a penalty improperly assessed

Pardon (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. release from the guilt or penalty of an offense

    "the criminal is hoping for a presidential pardon"

    similar: absolution, amnesty, forgiveness, 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

Pardon (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to cease to have feelings of anger or bitterness toward

    "he eventually pardoned his sister after she apologized"

    similar: forgive
    related: absolve, acquit, clear, exculpate, exonerate, vindicate, remit, shrive, condone, disregard, excuse, ignore, pass over, shrug off, discharge, liberate, redeem, release, unburden
    opposite: resent
    near: abhor, abominate, despise, detest, dislike, execrate, hate, loathe, avenge, redress, requite, retaliate, revenge, discipline, penalize, punish

  2. to dismiss as of little importance

    "I'm willing to pardon a little sloppiness of dress in such a kind and loving person"

    similar: blink (at), brush (aside or off), condone, discount, disregard, excuse, forgive, gloss (over), gloze (over), ignore, overlook, overpass, paper over, pass over, remit, shrug off, whitewash, wink (at), close one's eyes to, forgive and forget
    related: explain, justify, rationalize, absolve, acquit, clear, exculpate, exonerate, vindicate, waive, wave (aside or off)
    near: heed, mark, mind, note, object (to)

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Pardon

The most common words with a similar meaning to Pardon:

absolution, amnesty, forgiveness, remission, remittal, forgive, blink (at), brush (aside or off), condone, discount, disregard, excuse, gloss (over), gloze (over), ignore, overlook, overpass, paper over, pass over, remit, shrug off, whitewash, wink (at), close one's eyes to, forgive and forget

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Pardon

Words with the opposite meaning of Pardon:

penalty, punishment, retribution, resent

Related Words for Pardon

parole, acquittal, exculpation, exoneration, vindication, condonation, exemption, immunity, impunity, indemnity, commutation, commuting, reprieve, clemency, leniency, mercy, absolve, acquit, clear, exculpate, exonerate, vindicate, shrive, discharge, liberate, redeem, release, unburden, explain, justify

Near Antonyms of Pardon

conviction, sentence, assessment, charge, fine, imposition, levying, castigation, chastening, chastisement, condemnation, abhor, abominate, despise, detest, dislike, execrate, hate, loathe, avenge, redress, requite, retaliate, revenge, discipline, penalize, punish, heed, mark, mind

Word Forms of Pardon

Inflections: pardoned, pardoning

Origin & Etymology of Pardon

Middle English, from Anglo-French pardun, pardoun, from parduner

First known use: 14th century

Words & Phrases Containing Pardon

pardon my French, beg one's pardon, presidential/royal pardon

Frequently Asked Questions about Pardon

What does "Pardon" mean?

"Pardon" means indulgence. As an a noun and a verb, it is defined as: indulgence. It has 3 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Pardon"?

Other words for "Pardon" include absolution, amnesty, forgiveness, remission, remittal, forgive, blink (at) and brush (aside or off). The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Pardon" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Pardon"?

There are 58 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Pardon". Common alternatives include absolution, amnesty, forgiveness, remission, remittal, forgive, blink (at), brush (aside or off), condone and discount.

What is the opposite of "Pardon"?

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

How do you use "Pardon" in a sentence?

Examples of "Pardon" in a sentence: "the criminal is hoping for a presidential pardon"; "he eventually pardoned his sister after she apologized"; "I'm willing to pardon a little sloppiness of dress in such a kind and loving person".

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

"Pardon" can be used as a noun and a verb, depending on the context.

How do you pronounce "Pardon"?

"Pardon" is pronounced /ˈpär-dᵊn/ and divided into syllables as par·don.

What is the origin of the word "Pardon"?

"Pardon" comes from Middle English, from Anglo-French pardun, pardoun, from parduner. First known use: 14th century.