forgiving

adjective

for·​giv·​ing fər-ˈgi-viŋ How to pronounce forgiving (audio)
fȯr-
Synonyms of forgivingnext
1
: willing or able to forgive
2
: allowing room for error or weakness
designed to be a forgiving tennis racquet
forgivingly adverb
forgivingness noun

Examples of forgiving in a Sentence

a person with a forgiving nature
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Space isn’t a forgiving place to be stuck. Los Angeles Times, 19 Mar. 2026 The United States has generally had a more forgiving set of regulations governing the use of additives, preservatives and other chemicals in food and drinks than the European Union (EU). David Faris, TheWeek, 16 Mar. 2026 Use boneless skinless chicken thighs in place of breasts for a richer flavor and more forgiving texture. Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 5 Mar. 2026 The Nuggets were not in a very forgiving mood on Wednesday. Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 4 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for forgiving

Word History

First Known Use

1623, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of forgiving was in 1623

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Cite this Entry

“Forgiving.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/forgiving. Accessed 24 Mar. 2026.

Kids Definition

forgiving

adjective
for·​giv·​ing
fər-ˈgiv-iŋ
fȯr-
1
: showing forgiveness : inclined or ready to forgive
a person with a forgiving nature
2
: allowing for human error or weakness
a tennis racket designed to be forgiving
forgivingly adverb
forgivingness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on forgiving

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