1
as in pauses
a temporary halt in an activity or condition
The pool offered a welcome reprieve from the heat.
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2
as in commutations
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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of reprieves
Amanda Lee Myers, USA Today, 29 Jan. 2026
She was granted several reprieves under the Biden administration but was arrested at her workplace in March.
—Seth Klamann, Denver Post, 22 Dec. 2025
If moments like that suggest that Bigelow weaves in occasional reprieves from the anxiety, that’s not the case.
—David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 2 Sep. 2025
Newsom has issued 247 pardons, 160 commutations and 42 reprieves since taking office, his office said.
—Daniel Lempres, Sacbee.com, 31 Aug. 2025
Noun
Another 17 inmates so far are scheduled to be put to death this year, including a woman in Tennessee, though that number will change significantly as governors approve more death warrants or inmates win reprieves.
—Amanda Lee Myers, USA Today, 29 Jan. 2026
She was granted several reprieves under the Biden administration but was arrested at her workplace in March.
—Seth Klamann, Denver Post, 22 Dec. 2025
If moments like that suggest that Bigelow weaves in occasional reprieves from the anxiety, that’s not the case.
—David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 2 Sep. 2025
Newsom has issued 247 pardons, 160 commutations and 42 reprieves since taking office, his office said.
—Daniel Lempres, Sacbee.com, 31 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reprieves
Noun
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Funding was eventually restored after a series of lawsuits that challenged payment pauses, eligibility requirements and requests from the federal government for sensitive citizen data.—
Dale Denwalt,
Oklahoman,
1 Feb. 2026
-
The president works in the first lady’s suggestion, and pauses, turns and points to her after delivering the line during his speech.—
CNN.com Wire Service,
Mercury News,
31 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
The White House doesn’t comment on potential clemency requests, but the president is the ultimate decider on pardons and commutations.—
Jacqueline Munis,
Fortune,
23 Jan. 2026
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The White House does not comment on clemency requests, and the final decision on any pardons or commutations rests with the president, a White House official told CNN.—
Clare Duffy,
CNN Money,
21 Jan. 2026
Verb
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These changes would ensure a more merciful society, one that pardons in the name not of a sovereign president, but of the people.—
Bernadette Meyler,
Harpers Magazine,
27 Jan. 2026
-
May 29 — In one of many conciliatory moves toward the hip-hop community, Trump pardons Young Boy NBA on a guns conviction.—
Chris Willman,
Variety,
31 Dec. 2025
Verb
-
Moving water is less likely to freeze and relieves that pressure.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
3 Feb. 2026
-
Plush cushioning on the insoles relieves tired feet during the day, making these comfortable enough to wear for hours.—
Sophie Dodd,
Travel + Leisure,
29 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Officials do not expect interruptions in water service during the work on the Gest Street water main.—
Patricia Gallagher Newberry,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
30 Jan. 2026
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Google says the new setup is meant to reduce tab overload and interruptions.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
29 Jan. 2026
Verb
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When wrap is finally called, Balfe releases the metaphorical pressure valve, letting the waterworks flow.—
Amy Wilkinson,
Entertainment Weekly,
10 Feb. 2026
-
When the agency releases hiring and unemployment numbers for January on Wednesday, they are expected to show that businesses, government agencies and nonprofits added about 80,000 jobs last month — modest but up from 50,000 in December.—
Anne D'Innocenzio,
Fortune,
10 Feb. 2026
Noun
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While Singh’s lawyer Jitender Khurana denies any political motive for his client’s paroles, his previous releases coincided with crucial state elections, fueling speculation that his freedom is a reward for the Dera’s electoral support.—
Rhea Mogul,
CNN Money,
6 Feb. 2026
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Discretionary paroles have also plummeted.—
Shaun Boyd,
CBS News,
27 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The tuber also provides vitamin C, which acts as an antioxidant, and fiber, which aids digestion, boosts satiety, and regulates blood sugar.—
Kirsten Nunez,
Martha Stewart,
4 Feb. 2026
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The calcium found in milk is also packaged with vitamin D, which aids in the absorption of calcium.—
Mira Miller,
Verywell Health,
19 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Reprieves.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reprieves. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
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