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.
While flower beds and shrubs can be a bit more forgiving, container gardening takes a little more attention. Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 29 Jan. 2025 This option has a stunning color scheme that uses ivory, brick red, and olive green that’s a bit more forgiving against foot traffic but doesn’t lack in style and softness, according to reviewers. Clara McMahon, People.com, 20 Jan. 2025 Recipes are a lot more forgiving than people think, says Eby. Andee Tagle, NPR, 18 Jan. 2025 Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo won’t be as forgiving. Ted Nguyen, The Athletic, 16 Jan. 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

Dictionary Entries Near forgiving

Cite this Entry

“Forgiving.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/forgiving. Accessed 6 Feb. 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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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