1
as in pardoning
to cease to have feelings of anger or bitterness toward
it is not easy to forgive those who have hurt us
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in ignoring
to dismiss as of little importance
he has so many good qualities that I guess we can forgive a slight penchant for exaggeration
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in caring
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
2
as in charitable
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of forgiving
Miriam Schwartz, Boston Herald, 25 June 2025
Some types are more forgiving of high humidity than others.
—Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 8 July 2025
Melissa Willets, Parents, 3 Feb. 2025
The elastic waistband is forgiving, which makes this pair easy to slip on and replaces the typical drawstring closure.
—Alyssa Brascia, People.com, 25 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for forgiving
Verb
After an injury shifted his focus from punishing road running to softer, more forgiving trails, McEnaney has completed multiple 100-mile races, including the Midstate Massive Ultra Trail in New England, but only one in less than 24 hours.
—Miriam Schwartz, Boston Herald, 25 June 2025
Some types are more forgiving of high humidity than others.
—Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 8 July 2025
Adjective
The woman’s own mom understood her position, but the MIL was not so forgiving.
—Melissa Willets, Parents, 3 Feb. 2025
The elastic waistband is forgiving, which makes this pair easy to slip on and replaces the typical drawstring closure.
—Alyssa Brascia, People.com, 25 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for forgiving
Recent Examples of Synonyms for forgiving
Verb
-
FedEx — The stock gained more than 1% after Jefferies upgraded FedEx to buy from hold, saying investors are ignoring the cost-cutting efforts at the packing and shipping company that will continue to drive earnings growth regardless of the macroeconomic challenges.—
Lisa Kailai Han,
CNBC,
24 Mar. 2025
-
Yet there’s no ignoring the fact that the Rockies would’ve loved to have Brito penciled in as their second baseman this year.—
Daniel R. Epstein,
Forbes,
23 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
Colton's caring nature also enabled him to be a major source of support for friends.—
Claudia Levens,
jsonline.com,
24 July 2025
-
Those who know her best describe her as loyal and caring, to the point of neglecting herself and her own interests in order to look after others.—
Laia Cervelló Herrero,
New York Times,
23 July 2025
Adjective
-
There are strategies to optimize your RMDs, including taking your RMD as a qualified charitable distribution, which would reduce taxable income.—
Kelly Phillips Erb,
Forbes.com,
26 July 2025
-
Jim waits 45 minutes after sending a trade alert before buying or selling a stock in his charitable trust’s portfolio.—
Zev Fima,
CNBC,
26 July 2025
Adjective
-
Companies like Google and Salesforce offer extensive parental leave programs, recognizing that supporting employees during one of life’s most significant milestones is not only compassionate but smart business.—
Will Fan,
Forbes.com,
14 July 2025
-
That means unlearning the language that perpetuates harm and stereotypes, and being more compassionate and humane across the board.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
10 July 2025
Adjective
-
In an interview with 60 Minutes, Judy was described as his biggest fan, and their close relationship shows in the loving maternal characters in Adam’s films.—
Emily Krauser,
People.com,
30 July 2025
-
An article from Dog Mixology reported that dachshund and Bernedoodle mixes are known for being friendly, loving and loyal to families.—
Liz O'Connell,
MSNBC Newsweek,
28 July 2025
Adjective
-
The program tried to learn from every hand — even the bad hands that were doomed to fail — and ended up making mostly random moves.—
Andrew Montequin,
jsonline.com,
29 July 2025
-
The final product is 12 songs long that turn the focus from random external objects to singer Blair Tramel’s personal experiences in the world.—
Nina Corcoran,
Pitchfork,
29 July 2025
Verb
-
Shapiro even alluded to that fact when explaining his optimism that a deal will get done.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
Newsweek,
22 Mar. 2025
-
Establishing how that golden age came about is easier than explaining the years of scarcity that followed.—
Rory Smith,
The Athletic,
22 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
But Lana was her own person: an actor, a comedian, beloved by her family and friends, a kind, talented woman who volunteered weekly for the AIDS charity Project Angel Food during the 80s, a time when many people would barely say the word AIDS aloud.—
Meg Pillow
July 31,
Literary Hub,
31 July 2025
-
Over the course of two seasons, the writing of the show and the actress performing the role turned the Grim Reaper into more of a caregiver who guides human souls to the beyond with a kind smile and empathic warmth.—
EW.com,
EW.com,
31 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Forgiving.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/forgiving. Accessed 7 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share