Synonyms of forgive

forgive

verb

fər-ˈgiv 

1

as in to pardon

to cease to have feelings of anger or bitterness toward

it is not easy to forgive those who have hurt us

Synonyms & Similar Words

• pardon
• ignore
• redeem
• acquit
• excuse
• release
• absolve
• exonerate
• vindicate
• liberate
• disregard
• exculpate
• remit
• condone
• discharge
• pass over
• shrive
• clear
• unburden
• shrug off

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• hate
• resent
• despise
• dislike
• loathe
• detest
• abhor
• punish
• retaliate
• avenge
• redress
• revenge
• penalize
• discipline
• abominate
• execrate
• requite

2

as in to ignore

to dismiss as of little importance

he has so many good qualities that I guess we can forgive a slight penchant for exaggeration

Synonyms & Similar Words

• ignore
• overlook
• pardon
• explain
• excuse
• justify
• disregard
• forgive and forget
• condone
• pass over
• discount
• remit
• brush (aside or off)
• blink (at)
• gloss (over)
• paper over
• whitewash
• shrug off
• wink (at)
• rationalize
• overpass
• absolve
• gloze (over)
• exonerate
• acquit
• vindicate
• exculpate
• close one's eyes to
• waive
• wave (aside or off)
• clear

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• note
• mark
• mind
• object (to)
• heed

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb forgive differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of forgive are condone, excuse, and pardon. While all these words mean "to exact neither punishment nor redress," forgive implies that one gives up all claim to requital and to resentment or vengeful feelings.

could not forgive their rudeness

When is condone a more appropriate choice than forgive?

The words condone and forgive can be used in similar contexts, but condone implies that one overlooks without censure behavior (such as dishonesty or violence) that involves a serious breach of a moral, ethical, or legal code, and the term may refer to the behavior or to the agent responsible for it.

a society that condones alcohol but not narcotics

When might excuse be a better fit than forgive?

In some situations, the words excuse and forgive are roughly equivalent. However, excuse may refer to specific acts especially in social or conventional situations or the person responsible for these. Often the term implies extenuating circumstances.

excuse an interruption

excused them for interrupting

injustice excuses strong responses

When could pardon be used to replace forgive?

While the synonyms pardon and forgive are close in meaning, pardon implies that one remits a penalty due for an admitted or established offense.

pardon a criminal

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of forgive

Readers of The Meaning of Your Life could be forgiven for thinking that despair was invented in 2007, the year the first iPhone was released. —Literary Hub, 2 Apr. 2026

And Gulf citizens aren’t going to forgive and forget. —Mohammed Sergie, semafor.com, 1 Apr. 2026

Then there’s Mel (Amanda Peet), who is not quite ready to forgive Coop—though others, apparently, are. —Jessica Radloff, Glamour, 1 Apr. 2026

Does Fresh Start forgive all tax debt? —Deane Biermeier, USA Today, 31 Mar. 2026

Phrases Containing forgive

• forgive and forget