FORFEIT Synonyms: 48 Similar and Opposite Words

forfeit 1 of 2

noun

ˈfȯr-fət

Definition of forfeit

as in penalty

a sum of money to be paid as a punishment the forfeit for each baseball player involved in the brawl was $5,000

Synonyms & Similar Words

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forfeit

2 of 2

verb

as in to waive

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

as in to lose

Related Words

lose
drop

Dissimilar Words

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 forfeit

Noun

After narrowly missing out on advancing to the main tournament, Wales was chosen in a draw for a qualifier playoff against Israel, which had faced forfeits from multiple teams, including Turkey, Indonesia, and Egypt, because of geopolitical tensions at the time amid Arab-Israeli conflicts. — Tushaar Kuthiala, Encyclopedia Britannica, 22 June 2026 The forfeit comes less than a week after San Francisco Giants players wrote Bible verses on their Pride hats, which resulted in warnings from Major League Baseball. — Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 18 June 2026

Verb

The team will forfeit its first-round picks in the NBA Draft from 2029 through 2033, the league said. — Dade Hayes, Deadline, 2 Sep. 2026 Flinn suggested a motion for Yeager to forfeit his seat, and council members subsequently requested City Attorney Scott Gerken look into a malfeasance ordinance for Yeager’s retaliatory comments. — James Wilkins, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for forfeit

Recent Examples of Synonyms for forfeit

Noun

Not to mention, the Seahawks left plenty of room for growth, whether that’s cleaning up pre-snap penalties or being more explosive as an offense.

— Andrew Destin, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
Warriors defense hurt themselves with two unsportsmanlike conduct penalties on the drive.

— Buddy Collings, The Orlando Sentinel, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of penalty

Verb

Under that program, the NYPA buys electricity on the wholesale market on Lake Mariner’s behalf—a blend of hydro, nuclear, natural gas, wind, and solar—and waives delivery surcharges in exchange.

— Petala Ironcloud, ArsTechnica, 7 Sep. 2026
Keep in mind that Lonzo has been available to any NBA team since he was dealt by the Cavaliers to the Jazz in February and then immediately waived.

— Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 6 Sep. 2026

Definition of waive

Verb

Manchester City won the title three consecutive times between 2021 and 2024 but have lost in the final to Chelsea and Aston Villa in the last two seasons.

— Rob Tanner, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
While rights activists accuse Bukele's government of widespread abuses, the country is notably safer than many other countries whose people have recently lost TPS protections.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of lose

Noun

Any scooter found parked, stored or ridden on campus is subject to fines and impoundment, with enforcement beginning in September after a month-long warning period.

— Gabby Sartori, USA Today, 5 Sep. 2026
The schools also voted 15-0 to give commissioner Greg Sankey power to levy stiff penalties (fines potentially worth tens of millions and a half-season suspension for a head coach) upon schools that roster ex-pros bouncing back to college.

— Ralph D. Russo, New York Times, 5 Sep. 2026

Definition of fine

Noun

All told, Trinity Valley must pay Skains just over $10 million intended to cover harm to her mental health and reputation, unpaid wages and benefits, and exemplary damages, according to the verdict.

— Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Sep. 2026
The Tetris Company has won damages from developers making copycat games without a license before.

— Will McCurdy, PC Magazine, 5 Sep. 2026

Definition of damages

Noun

Bomani was originally accused of bank fraud, conspiracy to commit bank fraud, money laundering and fraud, and money laundering forfeiture.

— Shannon Tyler, Idaho Statesman, 9 Sep. 2026
Leonard faces the comparatively lesser punishment of a $700,000 fine, with no contractual forfeiture or suspension.

— Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of forfeiture

Browse Nearby Words

for fair

forfeit

forfeited

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Forfeit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/forfeit. Accessed 13 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of forfeit

noun

verb

Example Sentences

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