Condone synonym words like approve, permit, and tolerate describe accepting, allowing, or overlooking an action or behavior—often without direct support. For example, “The manager approved the decision,” or “She tolerated the behavior despite disagreeing.”
When writing or speaking about rules, ethics, or authority, each synonym reflects a different level of acceptance—from silent allowance to open approval.
In this guide, you’ll learn the meaning and example sentences for each condone synonym so you can express approval, permission, or tolerance clearly and accurately.
What Does “Condone” Mean?
The word condone means to accept, allow, or approve of something—especially behavior that may be considered wrong, unethical, or questionable—by choosing not to oppose it.
Examples:
- “The school does not condone cheating.”
- “Silence can be seen as condoning bad behavior.”
“Condone” often carries a moral or ethical weight. It doesn’t always mean active support; sometimes, it simply means allowing something to continue without objection.
Synonyms of Condone with Meanings, Examples, and Usage Tips
1. Approve
Meaning: To officially agree with or accept something.
Example: The board approved the new policy.
When to Use: Formal or authoritative contexts.
2. Permit
Meaning: To allow something to happen.
Example: The rules permit late submissions.
When to Use: Legal, institutional, or rule-based writing.
3. Allow
Meaning: To let something happen.
Example: The teacher allowed extra time for the test.
When to Use: Neutral and widely applicable.
4. Accept
Meaning: To receive or tolerate something without protest.
Example: He accepted the situation calmly.
When to Use: Emotional or neutral contexts.
5. Tolerate
Meaning: To endure something without interference.
Example: The company tolerates minor mistakes.
When to Use: When disapproval exists but action is absent.
6. Sanction
Meaning: To give official permission or approval.
Example: The event was sanctioned by authorities.
When to Use: Formal, legal, or governmental tone.
7. Endorse
Meaning: To publicly support or approve.
Example: The celebrity endorsed the campaign.
When to Use: Public, political, or promotional contexts.
8. Authorize
Meaning: To give legal or official approval.
Example: Only managers can authorize refunds.
When to Use: Corporate or legal writing.
9. Justify
Meaning: To show something as reasonable or right.
Example: He tried to justify his actions.
When to Use: Ethical debates or arguments.
10. Overlook
Meaning: To ignore or fail to notice deliberately.
Example: She overlooked his mistake this time.
When to Use: Mild wrongdoing or forgiveness contexts.
11. Excuse
Meaning: To forgive or overlook a fault.
Example: The teacher excused the late arrival.
When to Use: Personal or informal situations.
12. Validate
Meaning: To recognize as acceptable or legitimate.
Example: The decision validated their concerns.
When to Use: Psychological or professional tone.
13. Ratify
Meaning: To formally approve an agreement.
Example: The treaty was ratified by parliament.
When to Use: Legal, political, or formal writing.
14. Acknowledge
Meaning: To accept something as true or valid.
Example: She acknowledged the mistake.
When to Use: Diplomatic or neutral contexts.
15. Enable
Meaning: To allow something by providing means or opportunity.
Example: His silence enabled the misconduct.
When to Use: When indirect support is involved.
16. Acquiesce
Meaning: To accept reluctantly without protest.
Example: He acquiesced to their demands.
When to Use: Formal or literary writing.
17. Consent
Meaning: To give permission or agreement.
Example: She consented to the procedure.
When to Use: Legal, medical, or formal situations.
18. Agree To
Meaning: To accept a proposal or action.
Example: They agreed to the new terms.
When to Use: Neutral and conversational.
19. Support
Meaning: To back or assist openly.
Example: The organization supports equal rights.
When to Use: Public or advocacy contexts.
20. Accept Responsibility For
Meaning: To acknowledge and allow consequences.
Example: He accepted responsibility for the error.
When to Use: Ethical or professional accountability.
21. Permit Without Objection
Meaning: To allow silently or passively.
Example: The manager permitted the behavior without objection.
When to Use: Formal explanation of passive approval.
22. Go Along With
Meaning: To comply without resistance.
Example: She went along with the plan.
When to Use: Informal or conversational tone.
23. Countenance
Meaning: To allow or tolerate officially.
Example: The law does not countenance violence.
When to Use: Formal or legal writing.
24. Abide
Meaning: To accept or act in accordance with.
Example: He abided by the decision.
When to Use: Rules, laws, or authority-based writing.
25. Uphold
Meaning: To support or maintain officially.
Example: The court upheld the ruling.
When to Use: Legal or institutional tone.
26. Greenlight
Meaning: To give permission to proceed.
Example: The project was greenlit instantly.
When to Use: Informal business or media contexts.
27. Bless
Meaning: To approve in a symbolic or informal way.
Example: The boss blessed the idea.
When to Use: Casual or conversational writing.
28. Let Slide
Meaning: To ignore intentionally.
Example: He let the mistake slide.
When to Use: Informal or friendly tone.
29. Toleration
Meaning: Act of allowing without approval.
Example: The policy reflects toleration, not support.
When to Use: Academic or analytical writing.
30. ignore
Meaning: To ignore knowingly.
Example: Authorities turned a blind eye to the issue.
When to Use: Idiomatic, informal, or narrative contexts.
Choosing the Right Synonym for “Condone”
Choosing the correct synonym depends on intent and tone:
| Tone / Context | Best Synonyms |
|---|---|
| Formal / Legal | Sanction, Ratify, Authorize, Countenance |
| Neutral / Descriptive | Allow, Accept, Permit, Acknowledge |
| Ethical / Critical | Enable, Justify, ignore |
| Informal / Conversational | Let Slide, Go Along With, Greenlight |
| Supportive / Public | Endorse, Support, Uphold |
Cultural Tip
“Condone” often implies moral responsibility. Saying you condone something can suggest agreement—even if passive.
In professional or sensitive writing, “allow” or “tolerate” is safer and more neutral than “condone.”
Avoid idioms like ignore in formal documents—they sound casual or accusatory.
Conclusion
Understanding the synonyms of condone helps you express different levels of approval, tolerance, or acceptance with precision. Whether you choose to approve, permit, tolerate, or overlook, each word carries a unique tone and responsibility.
By selecting the right synonym, you clarify intent—whether you’re explaining rules, judging behavior, or discussing ethics. These alternatives remind us that allowing something, even silently, can speak just as loudly as open approval.
