condoning
Letting it slide
Condoning is accepting or allowing behavior that others might consider wrong or objectionable.
The word implies passive approval rather than active encouragement—you condone something by not objecting to it: Silence can be seen as condoning the abuse.
The term often appears in denials: I'm not condoning what he did, but I understand why.
Formal expression of support
- sanctionApproval or punitive measure
- supportTo uphold or sustain
- consentVoluntary agreement given
- acquiescenceUnresisting acceptance
authorization · validation · backing · upholding · advocacy · ratification · affirmation · agreement
Consent to receive
- permissivenessTolerance of behavior others forbid
- leniencyMildness in punishment
- indulgenceYielding to desire
- forbearancePatient self-control, delayed enforcement
patience · broad-mindedness · open-mindedness · liberalism · nonjudgmental · turning a blind eye · laissez-faire · latitude
Official release from punishment
- absolutionFormal clearing of guilt
- clemencyMerciful treatment of offenders
- mercyCompassion toward offenders
- amnestyGroup pardon from authorities
exoneration · reprieve · acquittal · remission · excusing · exculpation · letting off · second chances
Deliberately not noticing
- disregardWillful lack of attention
- glossing overSuperficially covering faults
- dismissingRemoving from position
- brushing asideDismissing without consideration
minimizing · downplaying · whitewashing · sweeping under the rug · letting slide · passing over · turning away
endorsement
Formal expression of support
acquiescence · authorization · validation · backing · upholding · advocacy · ratification · affirmation · agreement · assent
acceptance
Consent to receive
- permissivenessTolerance of behavior others forbid
- leniencyMildness in punishment
- indulgenceYielding to desire
forbearance · patience · broad-mindedness · open-mindedness · liberalism · nonjudgmental · turning a blind eye · laissez-faire · latitude · looseness
pardon
Official release from punishment
- absolutionFormal clearing of guilt
- clemencyMerciful treatment of offenders
- mercyCompassion toward offenders
amnesty · exoneration · reprieve · acquittal · remission · excusing · exculpation · letting off · second chances
ignoring
Deliberately not noticing
- disregardWillful lack of attention
- glossing overSuperficially covering faults
- dismissingRemoving from position
brushing aside · minimizing · downplaying · whitewashing · sweeping under the rug · letting slide · passing over · turning away
- Excusingjustifying, forgiving, pardoning, rationalizing, overlooking
- forgivenessforgiveness of sins, redemption, absolve, mercy, grace
- complianceaudit, obeying, policy, compliance officer, regulation
condoningcondemning
Expressing severe disapproval
censuring · denouncing · disapproving · criticizing · decrying
condoningforbidding
Intimidatingly stern or hostile
prohibiting · punishing · penalizing · chastening · disciplining
condone, condoned, condones, condonation, condoner, condonable