Synonyms of forgive

forgive

verb

fər-ˈgiv 

1

as in to pardon

to cease to have feelings of anger or bitterness toward

it is not easy to forgive those who have hurt us

Synonyms & Similar Words

• pardon
• ignore
• redeem
• acquit
• excuse
• release
• absolve
• exonerate
• vindicate
• liberate
• disregard
• exculpate
• remit
• condone
• discharge
• pass over
• shrive
• clear
• unburden
• shrug off

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• hate
• resent
• despise
• dislike
• loathe
• detest
• abhor
• punish
• retaliate
• avenge
• redress
• revenge
• penalize
• discipline
• abominate
• execrate
• requite

2

as in to ignore

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

• ignore
• overlook
• pardon
• explain
• excuse
• justify
• disregard
• forgive and forget
• condone
• pass over
• discount
• remit
• brush (aside or off)
• blink (at)
• gloss (over)
• paper over
• whitewash
• shrug off
• wink (at)
• rationalize
• overpass
• absolve
• gloze (over)
• exonerate
• acquit
• vindicate
• exculpate
• close one's eyes to
• waive
• wave (aside or off)
• clear

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• note
• mark
• mind
• object (to)
• heed

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb forgive differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of forgive are condone, excuse, and pardon. While all these words mean "to exact neither punishment nor redress," forgive implies that one gives up all claim to requital and to resentment or vengeful feelings.

could not forgive their rudeness

When is condone a more appropriate choice than forgive?

The words condone and forgive can be used in similar contexts, but condone implies that one overlooks without censure behavior (such as dishonesty or violence) that involves a serious breach of a moral, ethical, or legal code, and the term may refer to the behavior or to the agent responsible for it.

a society that condones alcohol but not narcotics

When might excuse be a better fit than forgive?

In some situations, the words excuse and forgive are roughly equivalent. However, excuse may refer to specific acts especially in social or conventional situations or the person responsible for these. Often the term implies extenuating circumstances.

excuse an interruption

excused them for interrupting

injustice excuses strong responses

When could pardon be used to replace forgive?

While the synonyms pardon and forgive are close in meaning, pardon implies that one remits a penalty due for an admitted or established offense.

pardon a criminal

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of forgive

God grant me the grace to forgive also, despite my unfathomable trauma. —John Blake, CNN Money, 8 Jan. 2026

But sink into this wry, poignant story and all is forgiven. —Literary Hub, 8 Jan. 2026

Time is the opportunity to forgive, to move on and to find a new way to be friends. —Kimi Robinson, USA Today, 8 Jan. 2026

You’d be forgiven for seeing something more akin to the Christian Bale-era Batmobile than anything else. —Byron Hurd, The Drive, 7 Jan. 2026

Phrases Containing forgive

• forgive and forget