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
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
Americans can be forgiven if their faith in our justice system is shaken.
—Dallas Morning News, Twin Cities, 12 Dec. 2025
That can be forgiven thanks to the film’s evocative imagery and the emotional resonance of its central themes, distressingly familiar to anyone who has ever lost themselves in a relationship.
—Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 10 Dec. 2025
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
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Guy Martin, Forbes.com, 21 Jan. 2026
Americans can be forgiven if their faith in our justice system is shaken.
—Dallas Morning News, Twin Cities, 12 Dec. 2025
That can be forgiven thanks to the film’s evocative imagery and the emotional resonance of its central themes, distressingly familiar to anyone who has ever lost themselves in a relationship.
—Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 10 Dec. 2025
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 26 Jan. 2026.
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