forgave

[fer-gayv] / 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

He never forgave Dewey’s people for keeping him on a leash.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 23, 2026

The speech was exploitative, but not demeaning, and the public forgave Nixon.

From Salon ● May 8, 2026

Kate told him both she and Andy loved and forgave him.

From BBC ● Mar. 14, 2026

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

From Slate ● Mar. 6, 2026

“We were on the same team. Foil. USA Fencing National Championships Team. I was the last to qualify. Beat out one of Michael’s friends. He never forgave me.”

From "Black Brother, Black Brother" by Jewell Parker Rhodes

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