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
So, in a sense, he can be forgiven for his up-and-down play in Game 2.
—
Joshua Kloke, New York Times, 8 May 2025
Cynthia Nixon can be forgiven for mixing up iconic brunette Kristins.
—Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 25 Feb. 2025
Not really, but form can be forgiven for outpacing function in this instance.
—Chris Willman, Variety, 29 Apr. 2025
Connectivity options include Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 5.3, which, while not cutting-edge, can be forgiven considering the price.
—Iyaz Akhtar, PCMAG, 7 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for can be forgiven
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Joshua Kloke, New York Times, 8 May 2025
Cynthia Nixon can be forgiven for mixing up iconic brunette Kristins.
—Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 25 Feb. 2025
Not really, but form can be forgiven for outpacing function in this instance.
—Chris Willman, Variety, 29 Apr. 2025
Connectivity options include Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 5.3, which, while not cutting-edge, can be forgiven considering the price.
—Iyaz Akhtar, PCMAG, 7 Jan. 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 22 May. 2025.
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