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
Poor Joe Biden can be forgiven for not quite knowing what hit him.
—
Rich Lowry, National Review, 12 July 2024
So the writers can be forgiven for jumping the gun and indulging in a bit of fantasy football, so to speak: What would Swift’s engagement ring look like?
—Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 1 July 2024
But as much as Boone is going to bask at the sight of Soto hitting bombs this spring, he can be forgiven for also casting a wary eye on whoever is starting the games for him.
—Bill Madden, New York Daily News, 17 Feb. 2024
The educators can be forgiven for offering an inappropriate analogy because absolutely nothing compares to the singular, procreative ability of a woman to conceive, nurture and give birth to a child.
—Chicago Tribune, 6 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for can be forgiven 
Rich Lowry, National Review, 12 July 2024
So the writers can be forgiven for jumping the gun and indulging in a bit of fantasy football, so to speak: What would Swift’s engagement ring look like?
—Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 1 July 2024
But as much as Boone is going to bask at the sight of Soto hitting bombs this spring, he can be forgiven for also casting a wary eye on whoever is starting the games for him.
—Bill Madden, New York Daily News, 17 Feb. 2024
The educators can be forgiven for offering an inappropriate analogy because absolutely nothing compares to the singular, procreative ability of a woman to conceive, nurture and give birth to a child.
—Chicago Tribune, 6 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for can be forgiven
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'can be forgiven.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near 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 27 Jul. 2024.
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