absolution

noun

ˌab-sə-ˈlü-shən How to pronounce absolution (audio)
Definition of absolutionnext
as in forgiveness
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

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of absolution The point is not that the offender deserves absolution. — The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 June 2026 It is positioned somewhere between an intoxicated confession, a cry for absolution, and a desperate defense. — Literary Hub, 28 May 2026 But absolution—total and final—is an impossible sell. — Steven Gray, Time, 29 Apr. 2026 Believers confess their sins to a priest, receive spiritual guidance and absolution and typically are required to make an act of contrition like saying specific prayers. — Corky Siemaszko, NBC news, 16 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for absolution
Recent Examples of Synonyms for absolution
  1. forgiveness
  2. amnesty
  3. pardon
Noun
  • Later in life, Schwam created Humanity 101, an initiative of Arizona State University’s Project Humanities, promoting the values of compassion, empathy, forgiveness, integrity, kindness, respect and self-reflection.
    — Pat Saperstein, Variety, 17 Oct. 2026
  • But as the movie awkwardly pivots to weighty themes like forgiveness, honor and grief, the initial sparks of subversiveness fizzle out.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of forgiveness
Noun
  • Today's Republican party should take a page from their old playbook and support an amnesty program that would bring millions of undocumented immigrants out of the shadows.
    — WCCO Staff, CBS News, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Jair Bolsonaro is imprisoned in connection with this case, while his son has pledged to grant him amnesty as his first act in office.
    — Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 10 Oct. 2026
Definition of amnesty
Noun
  • Joe sought a presidential pardon in June 2025, and Gia said in August 2026 that the family had filed a humanitarian packet as part of its efforts to bring him home.
    — Stephanie Giang-Paunon, FOXNews.com, 13 Oct. 2026
  • While the conviction will remain part of the historical record, the pardon removes any lasting consequence for him.
    — Tamir Sorek, The Conversation, 12 Oct. 2026
Definition of pardon

Browse Nearby Words

absoluteness
absolution
absolutions
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Cite this Entry

“Absolution.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/absolution. Accessed 19 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on absolution

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about absolution

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