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Synonyms

forgiving

American  
[fer-giv-ing] / fərˈgɪv ɪŋ /

adjective

  1. disposed to forgive; indicating forgiveness.

    a forgiving soul; a forgiving smile.

  2. tolerant.

    The mountain is not forgiving of inexperienced climbers.


forgiving British  
/ fəˈɡɪvɪŋ /

adjective

  1. willing to forgive; merciful

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms


Etymology

Origin of forgiving

First recorded in 1680–90; forgive + -ing 2


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

“That’s a tough barometer that Americans are not very forgiving on,” De Haan told MarketWatch.

From MarketWatch ● Oct. 26, 2026

"Strong results are no longer enough if the outlook fails to match an already demanding valuation. Investors are becoming much less forgiving."

From Barron's ● Oct. 23, 2026

But after Gouken’s tragic murder — the particulars will eventually be revealed in flashbacks — Ken and Ryu went their separate ways, Ken never forgiving Ryu for failing to save Gouken’s life.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 16, 2026

Courts are sometimes more forgiving of burdens on speech when the real focus of a law is conduct, and when any restriction on speech is minor and incidental.

From Slate ● Aug. 28, 2026

Ralph, whose weekend had been so long and so lonely, felt such a surge of joy and relief at the sound of school buses that he skittered back to Room 5 in a forgiving mood.

From "Ralph S. Mouse" by Beverly Cleary

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