can be forgiven
idiom
—used to say that what a person does or feels is understandable or that a person should not be blamed for doing or feeling something
He can be forgiven for feeling this way after all he's been through.
Examples of can be forgiven in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
It is uttered in an accent that is not particularly Texan, but that misstep can be forgiven because so much else about the moment works.
—
Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 11 Feb. 2026
Thank goodness, then, that so much can be forgiven.
—Julius Taranto, The Atlantic, 27 Jan. 2026
Toward the end of his life, Morgan donated the entire collection to the Museum of Natural History, and there, we can be forgiven for thinking, the jewel would rest.
—Guy Martin, Forbes.com, 21 Jan. 2026
DePodesta helped trade for quarterback Deshaun Watson in Cleveland and kept his job, so he can be forgiven for trusting pretzel logic.
—Troy Renck, Denver Post, 29 Nov. 2025
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Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 11 Feb. 2026
Thank goodness, then, that so much can be forgiven.
—Julius Taranto, The Atlantic, 27 Jan. 2026
Toward the end of his life, Morgan donated the entire collection to the Museum of Natural History, and there, we can be forgiven for thinking, the jewel would rest.
—Guy Martin, Forbes.com, 21 Jan. 2026
DePodesta helped trade for quarterback Deshaun Watson in Cleveland and kept his job, so he can be forgiven for trusting pretzel logic.
—Troy Renck, Denver Post, 29 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for can be forgiven
Cite this Entry
“Can be forgiven.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/can%20be%20forgiven. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.
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