I. noun
a remission of penalty or punishment
the governor granted the prisoner a pardon
Synonyms: absolution, amnesty
Related Word: acquittal, exculpation, exoneration, indemnification, indemnity; forgiveness, remission; justification, vindication
Contrasted words: conviction; condemnation
Antonyms: punishment
II. verb
Synonyms: excuse 1, condone, forgive, remit
Related Word: justify; accept, tolerate; free, liberate, release
Idioms: let bygones be bygones, wipe the slate clean
Contrasted words: amerce, fine, mulct, penalize
Antonyms: punish