1
as in patience
the capacity to endure what is difficult or disagreeable without complaining
we thank you for your forbearance while we attend to the technical difficulties interrupting the TV program
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in mercy
kind, gentle, or compassionate treatment especially towards someone who is undeserving of it
the judge showed forbearance, and gave the teenaged first offender a suspended sentence
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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.
Recent Examples of forbearance
Under the original program, borrowers can make a one‑time lump‑sum payment to retroactively convert certain deferment or forbearance periods into qualifying PSLF payments.
—
Suzanne Blake, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2026
Borrowers enrolled in the SAVE plan, which was struck down by a federal court earlier this month, have been in forbearance since July 2024 as a legal battle played out in courts.
—CBS News, 28 Mar. 2026
Irwin said families who survived the fires are nearing the end of their mortgage forbearance period.
—Linh Tat, Daily News, 28 Feb. 2026
If eligible, the homeowner would be approved for an initial forbearance period of 180 days, which could later be extended for up to 12 months.
—Amancai Biraben, Oc Register, 27 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for forbearance
Suzanne Blake, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2026
Borrowers enrolled in the SAVE plan, which was struck down by a federal court earlier this month, have been in forbearance since July 2024 as a legal battle played out in courts.
—CBS News, 28 Mar. 2026
Irwin said families who survived the fires are nearing the end of their mortgage forbearance period.
—Linh Tat, Daily News, 28 Feb. 2026
If eligible, the homeowner would be approved for an initial forbearance period of 180 days, which could later be extended for up to 12 months.
—Amancai Biraben, Oc Register, 27 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for forbearance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for forbearance
Noun
-
Thank you for your patience, compassion, and continued support.—
Anthony Robledo,
USA Today,
13 May 2026
-
Wall Street’s patience is not infinite, and Disney stock has been stagnating.—
Jill Goldsmith,
Deadline,
13 May 2026
Noun
-
Without a free press, Cuba’s history and memory were at the mercy of power.—
Abraham Jiménez Enoa,
The Dial,
19 May 2026
-
Only God at this time can have mercy on her soul.—
Caroline Blair,
PEOPLE,
19 May 2026
Noun
-
Qualities such as listening, empathy and commitment to the growth of people call leaders to serve others while remaining accountable for outcomes.—
Hector Colon,
Forbes.com,
18 May 2026
-
Poppy has done an amazing job adapting Chloe’s beloved books, and the way both writers capture young people’s lives with such empathy, tenderness and honesty feels truly extraordinary to me.—
Arushi Jacob,
Variety,
15 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Forbearance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/forbearance. Accessed 20 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
