forgave

[fer-geyv] / fərˈgeɪv /

VERB

stop blame and grant pardon

Synonyms

STRONGEST

absolve condone excuse forget

STRONG

acquit amnesty clear commute efface exculpate exempt exonerate extenuate overlook palliate pocket purge release relent remit reprieve respite spring

WEAK

accept apology allow for bear no malice bear with bury the hatchet dismiss from mind kiss and make up laugh off let bygones be bygones let it go let off let off easy let pass let up on make allowance think no more of turn other cheek wink at wipe slate clean

Antonyms

STRONGEST

condemn

STRONG

accuse blame hold increase keep maintain sentence

WEAK

censure charge punish

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

forgave

After her editor sent 11 pages of feedback and issued a two-month deadline for an overhaul, Fortune forgave herself for not getting a gold star on her first draft.

From The Wall Street Journal ● May 7, 2026

In response, Battle’s daughter not only forgave Burton, but has become an active advocate for his clemency.

From Slate ● Mar. 6, 2026

In each instance, despite her pain, Davis forgave him, trusting in the underlying strength of their bond.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jan. 13, 2026

Clough never forgave Taylor, who was by then managing Derby County, for signing Robertson on a transfer with a fee to be decided by a tribunal, without informing him of his plans.

From BBC ● Dec. 25, 2025

Even Mary forgave him a little, but she never really trusted him until after she was glad she was a girl, and then it was too late.

From "East of Eden" by John Steinbeck