SINCE 1828

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Thesaurus

forgive

verb

Synonyms and Antonyms of forgive

1 to cease to have feelings of anger or bitterness toward

It is not easy to forgive those who have hurt us.

Synonyms of forgive

Words Related to forgive

absolve, acquit, clear, exculpate, exonerate, vindicate

condone, disregard, excuse, ignore, pass over, shrug off

discharge, liberate, redeem, release, unburden

Near Antonyms of forgive

abhor, abominate, despise, detest, dislike, execrate, hate, loathe

avenge, redress, requite, retaliate, revenge

discipline, penalize, punish

Antonyms of forgive

2 to dismiss as of little importance

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

Synonyms of forgive

blink (at), brush (aside or off), condone, discount, disregard, excuse, gloss (over), gloze (over), ignore, overlook, overpass, paper over, pardon, pass over, remit, shrug off, whitewash, wink (at)

Words Related to forgive

explain, justify, rationalize

absolve, acquit, clear, exculpate, exonerate, vindicate

waive, wave (aside or off)

Phrases Synonymous with forgive

close one's eyes to, forgive and forget

Near Antonyms of forgive

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

Synonym Discussion of forgive

excuse, condone, pardon, forgive mean to exact neither punishment nor redress. excuse may refer to specific acts especially in social or conventional situations or the person responsible for these.

- excuse an interruption
- excused them for interrupting

Often the term implies extenuating circumstances.

- injustice excuses strong responses

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

pardon implies that one remits a penalty due for an admitted or established offense.

- pardon a criminal

forgive implies that one gives up all claim to requital and to resentment or vengeful feelings.

- could not forgive their rudeness

Learn More about forgive

Dictionary: Definition of forgive Spanish Central: Translation of forgive Nglish: Translation of forgive for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of forgive for Arabic speakers

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