forgiving 1 of 2

Definition of forgivingnext

forgiving

2 of 2

verb

present participle of forgive

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 forgiving
Adjective
The centralized power of Italy’s postwar government (and its financial backing from the United States), the exuberant egalitarianism of 1960s London, the government’s outsize role in Vienna’s housing market, the forgiving weather of León — each of these affects both policy and product. Justin Davidson, Curbed, 16 Dec. 2025 Bobrovsky saves and a forgiving post kept the score tied. Adam H. Beasley, Miami Herald, 27 Nov. 2025
Verb
This opening scene establishes a human, forgiving tone for a movie in which we are often encouraged to laugh with our heroes but never at them. Peter Tonguette, The Washington Examiner, 9 Jan. 2026 The waistband of the wide-leg trousers is fitted with elastic for a stretchy, forgiving fit, and they’re even designed with two deep side pockets that’ll hold your phone in a pinch. Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 7 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for forgiving
Recent Examples of Synonyms for forgiving
Adjective
  • Helsinger makes a complex, caring Friar Laurence, and O’Donnell brings beautiful warmth to the role of Juliet’s Nurse, along with the requisite humor.
    Matthew J. Palm, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 Jan. 2026
  • At 42, Chris was a devoted husband to wife Jen, a caring son, a supportive brother, and a thoughtful uncle.
    Dawn Klavon, PEOPLE, 29 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Schemmel, a devout Christian, has done charitable work for decades, ever since that awful day in July 1989 when 112 people died in a fiery crash of United Airlines Flight 232 in Sioux City, Iowa.
    Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 31 Jan. 2026
  • Jim waits 45 minutes after sending a trade alert before buying or selling a stock in his charitable trust's portfolio.
    Natasha Abellard, CNBC, 30 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Nearly a century later, in 1977, Jimmy Carter helped mend the divisions plaguing the United States in the aftermath of the Vietnam War by pardoning those who had dodged the draft.
    Bernadette Meyler, Harpers Magazine, 27 Jan. 2026
  • No one can stop him from directing the Justice Department to indict his enemies for non-crimes while ignoring or pardoning the actual crimes of his political allies.
    Adam Serwer, The Atlantic, 21 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • This framing effectively provides a rationale for ignoring officers’ commands during field encounters.
    Christina Buttons, Washington Post, 3 Feb. 2026
  • In November, my doctor gently reprimanded me for ignoring my 2024 colonoscopy date.
    Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 3 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Mahan has described such policies as more compassionate than leaving people to suffer on the streets indefinitely, but advocates have accused him of criminalizing homelessness.
    Andrew Graham, Sacbee.com, 29 Jan. 2026
  • Aim to be mindful, compassionate, and respectful, Goldman says, and open the conversation in a kind, non-assuming way.
    Angela Haupt, Time, 29 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • His scattered family, like so many others, reflects the extraordinary exodus of almost 8 million Venezuelans — regarded as the largest-ever displacement of people in the Americas.
    Mery Mogollon, Los Angeles Times, 30 Jan. 2026
  • More scattered sleet, snow and ice are expected for the afternoon, before widespread precipitation is predicted to return Saturday night.
    Julia James, Dallas Morning News, 24 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • The result can be overlooking income that must be reported – like a part-time job or side gig, interest from a bank account or sales of stock.
    Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
  • Tesoro beat Dana Hills by 29 points in its first matchup against the Dolphins, but the Titans aren’t overlooking Dana Hills in anticipation for its big game against San Clemente.
    Michael Huntley, Oc Register, 29 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • This loving tribute to Marianne Faithfull is the answer to boring rock docs and uninspired music biopics.
    Brian Truitt, USA Today, 1 Feb. 2026
  • Melania takes pains to include many shots of her and Donald acting like a loving couple, which threatens to take the film out of the realm of nonfiction.
    Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 30 Jan. 2026

Cite this Entry

“Forgiving.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/forgiving. Accessed 4 Feb. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on forgiving

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!