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.

They helped each other with childcare, and one loaned her money for her daughters’ tuition and then forgave the loan.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 25, 2026

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

From Slate • Mar. 6, 2026

Joan then told Jacob she forgave him, and offered to give a reference to help him turn his life around.

From BBC • Jan. 6, 2026

The school forgave the debt it said Ayala owed.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 23, 2025

My inclination is that he forgave the people who had wronged him, but I don’t know for sure.

From "While the World Watched: A Birmingham Bombing Survivor Comes of Age during the Civil Rights Movement" by Carolyn Maull McKinstry