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.

After exiting the competition that night, the Forest boss was highly critical of the players who had come into the team but he more forgiving on this occasion.

From BBC

For the accompaniment, he is less forgiving: Serve with warm steamed rice.

From The Wall Street Journal

"I think my teenage daughters would never forgive me."

From BBC

He told BBC Scotland News the added attention was welcome, and that he has managed to forgive Mescal for saying he couldn't remember who sang it.

From BBC

You would be forgiven for thinking no airline deserves a crown for 2025.

From The Wall Street Journal

forgive

Example Sentences

Related Words