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.

"I hope that over time you can understand and forgive."

From BBC • Jun. 2, 2026

Facing death, Tom suddenly wants to call his son, Ethan, and forgive him.

From Los Angeles Times • May 28, 2026

You could forgive sellers who end up acquiescing and agreeing to the ‘old’ rates, in the hope that they ultimately get a higher price for their home.

From MarketWatch • May 19, 2026

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

Not when I need Lou Ann to forgive me as much as I do right now.

From "The Tenth Mistake of Hank Hooperman" by Gennifer Choldenko

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"