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.

The Creature is a reconstruction of Victor’s broken child that has to chase him down to forgive him — to make him look at him, face him and forgive him.

From Los Angeles Times

Would you be more forgiving if you learned Claudius wasn’t a human but an AI agent?

From The Wall Street Journal

The mother is more forgiving and less stern.

From The Wall Street Journal

It was a warm, sunny day and the snow was so forgiving that, to stop, he just needed to dig his heels into the soft slush.

From Los Angeles Times

She’s recovering from an illness and needs his help, even though she still hasn’t forgiven him for abandoning her in her youth.

From Los Angeles Times

forgive

Example Sentences

Related Words