Crossword Genius

Sailor has answer, forgiveness (10)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

absolution

'forgiveness' is the definition.
(thesaurus)

'sailor has answer' is the wordplay.
'sailor' becomes 'ab' (abbreviation for able seaman).
'has' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'answer' becomes 'solution' ('solution' can be a synonym of 'answer'**).
'ab'+'solution'='ABSOLUTION'

(Other definitions for absolution that I've seen before include "Forgiveness" , "acquittal" , "discharge" , "pardon" , "Release from guilt" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
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