forfeit 1 of 2

noun

ˈfȯr-fət How to pronounce forfeit (audio)
Definition of forfeitnext
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

1
as in to waive

Related Words

Dissimilar Words
2
as in to lose

Related Words

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
Superintendent Brian Blake and Principal Jonathan Mitchell issued a joint two-page statement Friday disputing the parents' version of events that led to the forfeit. — Mike Toole, CBS News, 12 June 2026 Abandonment would lead to an automatic forfeit, a 3-0 loss. — Jack Lang, New York Times, 11 June 2026
Verb
In addition to the sentence, Engle was ordered to pay $8,274,980 and forfeit a Jeep Wrangler and jewelry. — Doug Myers, CBS News, 1 Aug. 2026 The Producer Responsibility Program requires those small businesses to become dues-paying members of the Circular Action Alliance and to forfeit their rights to challenge the alliance’s decisions in court, the lawsuit notes. — Noelle Phillips, Denver Post, 31 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for forfeit
Recent Examples of Synonyms for forfeit
  1. penalty
  2. waive
  3. lose
  4. fine
  5. damages
  6. forfeiture
Noun
  • As part of the penalty for these crimes, Hickey has been ordered to post an apology video on social media.
    — Kris Millgate, Outdoor Life, 21 Aug. 2026
  • On the next play, Jefferson threw the ball into the chest of a receiver at the one-yard line, only for another holding penalty to negate the play.
    — Caleb Otte, Los Angeles Times, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of penalty
Verb
  • Former Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem waived certain laws which allowed the construction to get underway.
    — Laura Romero, ABC News, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Then, on Wednesday, the Phoenix Suns waived the former Heat forward in order to save $2 million against his $3 million 2026-27 salary.
    — Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of waive
Verb
  • The researchers’ models suggest that areas near the escarpment could have lost as much as 8 kilometers of rock, with erosion decreasing farther away from the ancient cliff.
    — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 21 Aug. 2026
  • The court dismissed the case against her manager, who also lost his job.
    — Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of lose
Noun
  • The La Jolla 18-year-old who admitted to kicking a sea lion faces a year in jail and $100,000 fine.
    — Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 16 Aug. 2026
  • Under Illinois law, none of the $250,000 fine will go to affected families.
    — Christiana Freitag, Chicago Tribune, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of fine
Noun
  • Attorneys general from California, Colorado, Kentucky and New Jersey are seeking extensive financial damages plus changes to how the company operates Facebook and Instagram.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 18 Aug. 2026
  • The eight-person jury will serve an advisory function — ultimately, District Court Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers will consider the jury’s decision and rule on the verdict and potential damages.
    — Clare Duffy, CNN Money, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of damages
Noun
  • In case of prize forfeiture, no further compensation is due to that winner from Sponsor.
    — August 16, NPR, 16 Aug. 2026
  • Andreano said that creates a profit motive for forfeiture cases.
    — Evy Lewis, Chicago Tribune, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of forfeiture

Browse Nearby Words

for fair
forfeit
forfeited
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Cite this Entry

“Forfeit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/forfeit. Accessed 24 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on forfeit

Nglish: Translation of forfeit for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about forfeit

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