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

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Dissimilar Words
2
as in to lose

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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
Abandonment would lead to an automatic forfeit, a 3-0 loss. — Jack Lang, New York Times, 11 June 2026 Fisher, who has joined Lovejoy’s staff, said his resignation was unrelated to the forfeits and called the GHSA’s ruling unjust. — Todd Holcomb, AJC.com, 27 May 2026
Verb
He was also ordered to forfeit money stolen from the murder victim, 67-year-old Stephen Koza, court officials said. — Jt Moodee Lockman, CBS News, 26 June 2026 In addition to his life sentences, Radford will forfeit all pay and allowances, be reduced in rank to E-1, and receive a dishonorable discharge from the Army, according to a statement from OSTC. — Alexandra Koch, FOXNews.com, 23 June 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
  • Only three players across Europe’s top five domestic leagues racked up more than his 15 assists for Borussia Dortmund last season, while only one player — Inter’s Federico Dimarco — completed more crosses into the opposition penalty area.
    — Jack Pitt-Brooke, New York Times, 11 July 2026
  • The New Mexico jury, siding with state prosecutors who brought the case, landed on a penalty of $375 million.
    — Kaitlyn Huamani, Los Angeles Times, 11 July 2026
Definition of penalty
Verb
  • Under the new law, cities and counties seeking state housing funds will have to waive those fees.
    — John Ramos, CBS News, 14 July 2026
  • Unfortunately, Bywaters would never recover fully from her injury and the Red Stars eventually waived her.
    — Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 13 July 2026
Definition of waive
Verb
  • The Department of Homeland Security spokesperson previously told The Times that a child attached to a parent’s immigration case does not lose the claim upon turning 18, but said that a pending asylum application doesn’t confer legal status.
    — Itzel Luna, Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2026
  • After rallying from a five-run deficit in the seventh inning to tie the score, the Angels ended up losing anyway, falling to the Texas Rangers, 7-6, when right-hander Kirby Yates gave up a run in the bottom of the ninth on Thursday night.
    — Jeff Fletcher, Oc Register, 10 July 2026
Definition of lose
Noun
  • The public funds cannot be used for legal costs, fines or to pay back personal loans to a campaign.
    — Iris Kwok, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
  • Violators get warning letters before fines are given, and ultimately, water may be disconnected.
    — Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 5 July 2026
Definition of fine
Noun
  • As part of his suit, Musk asked for $150 billion in damages that would be destined for a charitable trust and requested OpenAI’s for-profit structure be reversed.
    — Marco Quiroz-Gutierrez, Fortune, 13 July 2026
  • The jury awarded her $3 million in damages and recommended an additional $3 million in punitive damages.
    — Kaitlyn Huamani, Los Angeles Times, 11 July 2026
Definition of damages
Noun
  • Feds find dog fighting pit in garage Wilson was charged with the crimes after federal law enforcement officials went through separate civil proceedings to seek the forfeiture of dogs seized at his residence in the 8500 block of Hillcrest Road.
    — Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 8 July 2026
  • First, prosecutors could petition the court for forfeiture 30 days after a defendant fails to appear in court.
    — Dakota Smith, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 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 15 Jul. 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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