reprieve 1 of 2

noun

Definition of reprievenext
1
as in pause
a temporary halt in an activity or condition The pool offered a welcome reprieve from the heat.

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2
as in parole
law a temporary release from the obligation to serve punishment for a crime The judge ordered a reprieve of the execution so the accused would have time to appeal the decision.

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reprieve

2 of 2

verb

1
as in to pardon

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2
as in to relieve

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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 reprieve
Noun
The investment has also led to growth and Hoyt worries a place that used to be a reprieve from high Portland housing prices has developed a similar reputation for being unaffordable. — Saige Miller, NPR, 11 Oct. 2026 As Georgia recovers from the storm’s high winds and heavy rain that pummeled the state over the weekend, a reprieve appears to be up ahead. — Taylor Croft, AJC.com, 11 Oct. 2026
Verb
The sanction reprieves are aimed at easing oil prices by at least temporarily boosting supply. — Joe Walsh, CBS News, 20 Mar. 2026 Then, Bill Clinton offered 11th-hour reprieves to his half brother Roger and Democrat superdonor Marc Rich. — Willem Marx, Vanity Fair, 18 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for reprieve
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reprieve
  1. pause
  2. parole
  3. pardon
  4. relieve
  5. interruption
  6. commutation
  7. aid
  8. break
Noun
  • While older generations may interpret limited eye contact, a flat expression or a pause before responding as rude, lazy or unprofessional, that might not be a younger person’s intent at all, Leahy said.
    — CNN Money, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2026
  • The pause lasted more than a year, straining cattle supply and contributing to record-high beef prices.
    — Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of pause
Noun
  • An email seeking comment from Weisheit's lawyer, Joseph Perkovich, about the parole board's recommendation was not immediately returned Wednesday.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 28 Oct. 2026
  • Police said the man’s parole officer identified him as a person in surveillance photos that captured the involved vehicle shortly before the shooting, police said.
    — Nathan Pilling, Kansas City Star, 27 Oct. 2026
Definition of parole
Verb
  • Lula defended rehabilitation but said serious offenders should not qualify, then questioned whether Bolsonaro would pardon his father.
    — Alessandra Freitas, CNN Money, 25 Oct. 2026
  • Drinks are free but tips are appreciated and the $2 bill fits the (pardon the pun) bill perfectly.
    — Joe Kinsey OutKick, FOXNews.com, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of pardon
Verb
  • Zaylee Ovington and Kynslee Black, eighth grade students at the school, said they are relieved Simons has moved away from primarily using Chromebooks.
    — Dalia Faheid, CNN Money, 26 Oct. 2026
  • This can involve releasing residual propellant, relieving pressure, and discharging or disconnecting batteries to reduce the risk of accidental explosions.
    — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 25 Oct. 2026
Definition of relieve
Noun
  • Cheaper lift passes, shorter queues and fewer interruptions on the slopes also sweeten the deal, without compromising on skiing quality.
    — Will Barker, TheWeek, 27 Oct. 2026
  • Still, questions have persisted about who ordered the interruptions to the satellite internet system that Kyiv has relied on for years to counter Moscow's attacks.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of interruption
Noun
  • The state Board of Parole Hearings and the California Supreme Court recommended a commutation for Ellis.
    — Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 23 Oct. 2026
  • But even so, Denno said a commutation from the governor is a long shot.
    — Michael Ruiz, FOXNews.com, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of commutation
Verb
  • Edwards previously pleaded guilty to aiding in the preparation of a false tax return on March 25, court records show.
    — Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 29 Oct. 2026
  • About 60 search and rescue volunteers, aided by helicopters, drones and dogs, searched for the two men.
    — Dave Collins, Los Angeles Times, 29 Oct. 2026
Definition of aid
Noun
  • The league has agreed to an extended All-Star break to accommodate the Olympics, but MLB also could tire of waiting for the union to agree with LA28, which badly wants MLB players to participate.
    — Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 24 Oct. 2026
  • After the break, Colleyville Heritage wide receiver Trevi Preische’s 10-yard TD reception helped the Panthers make some progress, but a 23-yard score from Caldwell put Argyle’s lead back to three-scores.
    — Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of break

Browse Nearby Words

repressive
reprieve
reprieved
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Cite this Entry

“Reprieve.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reprieve. Accessed 30 Oct. 2026.

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Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about reprieve

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