reprieve

4 synonyms and 1 antonym for reprieve, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.

Verb — To cancel or delay a punishment, especially an execution.

Synonyms

Less common

Still standard English, but they carry more weight.

suspension hiatus

Rare, literary or technical

Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.

respite abatement

Synonyms by Meaning

1. verb

To cancel or delay a punishment, especially an execution.

“The governor reprieved the prisoner just hours before the scheduled execution.”

suspension hiatus respite abatement

2. noun

A cancellation or postponement of a punishment, or more generally, temporary relief from something unpleasant.

“The factory workers got a last-minute reprieve when the closure was postponed.”

respite abatement suspension hiatus

Opposites

condemnation

How to use reprieve

The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.

a stay of execution temporary reprieve grant a reprieve

Etymology

First recorded around 1513, likely from Middle French repris ("taken back"), related to reprendre ("to take back") — a cousin of "reprise."

Full origin of reprieve →

Frequently asked questions

What does “reprieve” mean?

The word “reprieve” means to cancel or delay a punishment, especially an execution. In plain terms, a delay or escape from punishment, or a welcome break from hardship.

How do you pronounce “reprieve”?

“Reprieve” is pronounced rih-PREEV (/ɹɪˈpɹiːv/ in IPA).

How do you use “reprieve” in a sentence?

Here is “reprieve” used in a sentence: “The governor reprieved the prisoner just hours before the scheduled execution.”

What part of speech is “reprieve”?

Depending on how it is used, “reprieve” can be a verb and a noun.

Where does the word “reprieve” come from?

The word “reprieve” dates back to around 1513 and comes from Middle French. First recorded around 1513, likely from Middle French repris ("taken back"), related to reprendre ("to take back") — a cousin of "reprise.".

How many meanings does “reprieve” have?

“Reprieve” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to cancel or delay a punishment, especially an execution.

Related words

reprehend reprisal reprise

People also searched

suspension condemnation hiatus respite abatement

Nearby words

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