condone

verb

kən-ˈdōn How to pronounce condone (audio)
Definition of condonenext
as in to ignore
to dismiss as of little importance he is too quick to condone his friend's faults

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb condone differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of condone are excuse, forgive, and pardon. While all these words mean "to exact neither punishment nor redress," condone implies that one overlooks without censure behavior (such as dishonesty or violence) that involves a serious breach of a moral, ethical, or legal code, and the term may refer to the behavior or to the agent responsible for it.

a society that condones alcohol but not narcotics

When would excuse be a good substitute for condone?

The words excuse and condone are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, excuse may refer to specific acts especially in social or conventional situations or the person responsible for these. Often the term implies extenuating circumstances.

excuse an interruption
excused them for interrupting
injustice excuses strong responses

When is forgive a more appropriate choice than condone?

Although the words forgive and condone have much in common, forgive implies that one gives up all claim to requital and to resentment or vengeful feelings.

could not forgive their rudeness

When can pardon be used instead of condone?

The synonyms pardon and condone are sometimes interchangeable, but pardon implies that one remits a penalty due for an admitted or established offense.

pardon a criminal

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 condone State public defender Jeff Wright testified during the appeals proceedings that Ruhtenberg was fired because her posts were perceived as condoning violence. — Huo Jingnan, NPR, 23 June 2026 For decades, Hezbollah’s arsenal had been tolerated, even tacitly condoned—shielded by the group’s political power and by its status among supporters as a counterweight to Israel. — Euan Ward, New Yorker, 29 May 2026 The suit also asserts that DHS, ICE and CBP maintain policies and practices that tolerate and condone the use of excessive force. — City News Service, Daily News, 22 May 2026 Considering how often people ignore actual invitations, Miss Manners is reluctant to condone any non-responsiveness. — Judith Martin, Sun Sentinel, 16 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for condone
Recent Examples of Synonyms for condone
  1. ignore
  2. forgive
  3. overlook
  4. justify
  5. explain
  6. excuse
Verb
  • Swift will either ignore the noise as usual, or smile at the absurdity as a secure, proud childless cat lady.
    — Bryan West, USA Today, 3 July 2026
  • Not only were the rules misapplied, according to an expert referee with years of elite experience, but similar plays during this tournament have been ignored.
    — Ian Miller OutKick, FOXNews.com, 3 July 2026
Definition of ignore
Verb
  • Shoppers note that the shorts are roomy and don’t bunch up, and that the elastic waistband is forgiving even while bloated.
    — Sophie Dodd, Travel + Leisure, 1 July 2026
  • Debt settlement can negatively affect your credit score, and forgiven debt may have tax implications in some situations.
    — Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 1 July 2026
Definition of forgive
Verb
  • In fact, Smith has long argued that the NFL has overlooked Black candidates at those positions because of racial bias.
    — Bobby Burack OutKick, FOXNews.com, 2 July 2026
  • Darrell said that’s an opportunity the company can no longer afford to overlook.
    — Alexa LoMonaco, CNBC, 2 July 2026
Definition of overlook
Verb
  • Wall Street is increasingly punishing Big Tech companies for spending on AI without profits to justify it.
    — John Towfighi, CNN Money, 1 July 2026
  • Thus far, Meta was only monetizing AI through its advertising, which is a great business but can be cyclical and was not enough to justify using all its cash flow.
    — Jeff Marks, CNBC, 1 July 2026
Definition of justify
Verb
  • Carpino retired in April, without ever explaining what was not right in the organization or, based on the standings, repairing it.
    — Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
  • Davies explains that Provenance adds value, as does good condition, because textiles are particularly unforgiving and easy to damage.
    — Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 July 2026
Definition of explain
Verb
  • Demings uses the go-to excuse that state legislation bans using the TDT on local projects.
    — Mike Thomas, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 June 2026
  • She’s been canceled, kidnapped, and bamboozled, happy to tell anyone who’ll listen, and who’ll excuse her typos.
    — Jeff Ihaza, Rolling Stone, 25 June 2026
Definition of excuse

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Cite this Entry

“Condone.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/condone. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on condone

Nglish: Translation of condone for Spanish Speakers

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