Find Synonyms

forgive Synonyms

Another word for forgive

Choosing another word for forgive depends on context, so the 12 synonyms and similar words below are separated across 2 exact definitions and ranked by match strength.
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• verb (Context 1)

To stop feeling angry or resentful toward someone for an offense, flaw, or mistake.

Usage Example

"It took her several months to pardon her brother for breaking the family heirloom."

Strongest
pardon
excuse
Strong
absolve
exonerate
condone
overlook

• verb (Context 2)

To cancel or absolve someone from having to pay (a financial debt, loan, or obligation).

Usage Example

"The government passed a relief bill to cancel a portion of the student loans held by public service workers."

Strongest
cancel
waive
write off
remit
Strong
discharge
wipe out
absolve

Opposites of forgive

The opposite of forgive shifts depending on context. Common opposites include:

blame
resent
enforce
exact
condemn
collect
censure
demand
See all opposites of forgive

• Nearby Words

forging
forgivable
forgivably
forgive
forgiveness
forgiver
forgiving

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Synonyms for Forgive. In Wordmom Thesaurus. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/synonyms/forgive
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