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
Borrowers are bound to pay more in another repayment option, especially as those in the SAVE plan have been in forbearance for more than a year due to the legal challenge.
—
Lexi Lonas Cochran, The Hill, 11 Dec. 2025
Higher education expert Mark Kantrowitz told CNBC that borrowers may need to leave SAVE forbearance early next year.
—Mary Cunningham, CBS News, 10 Dec. 2025
What To Know While 8 million borrowers were enrolled in SAVE, they were put in involuntary forbearance for 15 months because of the ongoing litigation.
—Suzanne Blake, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Dec. 2025
There is no one type of forbearance plan; the length and term are based on your circumstances.
—Lew Sichelman, Miami Herald, 4 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for forbearance
Lexi Lonas Cochran, The Hill, 11 Dec. 2025
Higher education expert Mark Kantrowitz told CNBC that borrowers may need to leave SAVE forbearance early next year.
—Mary Cunningham, CBS News, 10 Dec. 2025
What To Know While 8 million borrowers were enrolled in SAVE, they were put in involuntary forbearance for 15 months because of the ongoing litigation.
—Suzanne Blake, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Dec. 2025
There is no one type of forbearance plan; the length and term are based on your circumstances.
—Lew Sichelman, Miami Herald, 4 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for forbearance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for forbearance
Noun
-
The latter would require humility and patience — qualities Hollywood doesn’t reward quickly.—
Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa,
FOXNews.com,
28 Jan. 2026
-
Jaxen thrives in environments filled with warmth, patience, and encouragement.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
28 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
But for your prayers and his mercy.—
Marley Malenfant,
Austin American Statesman,
23 Jan. 2026
-
Grant me ruthless access to the psychological image, discomfortable mercy.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
22 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Long before applications are written, this work prepares boys not just to succeed in college, but to grow into integrated adulthood—capable of focus, empathy, and purpose in a world that increasingly demands all three.—
Dr. Liz Doe Stone,
Forbes.com,
27 Jan. 2026
-
The proceeds from the purchase will support an early childhood curriculum emphasizing altruism and empathy, designed to inoculate young minds against the dangers of extremism and hate before such poison can take root.—
Elliott Broidy,
Sun Sentinel,
27 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Forbearance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/forbearance. Accessed 30 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
