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.

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

From Slate • Mar. 6, 2026

While their daughter, Alice, says her father "never forgave himself".

From BBC • Feb. 13, 2026

Her father, Sana, who said after her death that he would seek to prosecute the employers, instead told AFP that he forgave them.

From Barron's • Oct. 13, 2025

"He proceeded to unload some very personal things. He’s not my friend, but — maybe to my eternal shame — I forgave him instantly because he was there making himself vulnerable," he said.

From Salon • Jun. 17, 2025

His contemporaries thought him “stand-offish,” yet forgave him, saying, “Oh, Kenyon. It’s just that he lives in a world of his own.”

From "In Cold Blood" by Truman Capote