forgiving

adjective

for·​giv·​ing fər-ˈgi-viŋ How to pronounce forgiving (audio)
fȯr-
1
: willing or able to forgive
2
: allowing room for error or weakness
designed to be a forgiving tennis racquet
forgivingly adverb
forgivingness noun

Examples of forgiving in a Sentence

a person with a forgiving nature
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Senate Democrats who worked closely with Rubio were more forgiving. Francesca Chambers, USA Today, 9 May 2025 The penalty was deserved and even somewhat forgiving. Rob Reed, Forbes.com, 21 Apr. 2025 On the other hand, sateen woven fabrics are more forgiving. Kelly Dawson, Architectural Digest, 14 Mar. 2025 The study challenges the common idea that conflict is always harmful and that being soft and forgiving is always beneficial. Mark Travers, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for forgiving

Word History

First Known Use

1623, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of forgiving was in 1623

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Cite this Entry

“Forgiving.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/forgiving. Accessed 13 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

forgiving

adjective
for·​giv·​ing
fər-ˈgiv-iŋ,
fȯr-
1
: showing forgiveness : inclined or ready to forgive
a person with a forgiving nature
2
: allowing for human error or weakness
a tennis racket designed to be forgiving
forgivingly adverb
forgivingness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on forgiving

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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