Definitions

forgive

[fer-giv] / fərˈgɪv /

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 the 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.

He said he hopes his faith can allow him to forgive Trump, but he isn’t there yet.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 10, 2026

“And my kids, they wouldn’t want that. They’re sweet kids. I feel like, if kids their age can forgive and offer him a peace offering, grown adults and other fans can, too.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 29, 2026

“Investors can still forgive big spending,” Chanan adds.

From Barron's • Apr. 27, 2026

"If something happened to him, I would never forgive myself," says Raegan, who now lives in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.

From BBC • Apr. 24, 2026

She’d forgive me when she got over the shock.

From "Flying Through Water" by Mamle Wolo

Vocabulary lists containing forgive

Excerpt from "Kira-Kira"

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

forgive

Example Sentences

Related Words

Vocabulary lists containing forgive

Excerpt from "Kira-Kira"