Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Showing results for forgive. Search instead for formgivna.
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 even comes to forgive Soames, granting him a noble death, in defense of a beloved woman.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

Though Burton initially felt deep hatred and anger toward the man who killed his wife, by the time he was up for parole, Burton had brought himself to forgive.

From Slate • Mar. 6, 2026

"I've asked God to forgive me, which he has," he added.

From BBC • Mar. 5, 2026

"It Was Just an Accident," by Iranian director Jafar Panahi, was filmed in secret and deals with a dilemma that victims of oppression sometimes face: should they take revenge or forgive those who imprisoned them?

From Barron's • Mar. 2, 2026

Please forgive me, knowing that I have gone to make a better life for us all, one in which I will never have to come close to losing one of you again.

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!