can be forgiven
idiom
—used to say that what a person does or feels is understandable or that a person should not be blamed for doing or feeling something
He can be forgiven for feeling this way after all he's been through.
Examples of can be forgiven in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
But Bronny can be forgiven for his oversight, as the Howes’ incredible feat happened several years before even his dad LeBron was born.
—
Kevin Dotson, CNN, 22 Oct. 2024
Given that the objective of the Paris talks is to address climate change, observers can be forgiven for wondering why there is so much resistance to such fundamental steps as measuring and closing the emissions gap.
—Lou Leonard, Foreign Affairs, 29 June 2015
Prospective investors can be forgiven for having little idea about what they’re being asked to support.
—Mackenzie Sigalos, CNBC, 14 Oct. 2024
If parents work in an eligible job for 10 years and make payments on the Income Contingent Repayment plan after consolidating with a Direct Consolidation loan, any remaining Parent PLUS loan debt can be forgiven at that point.
—Robert Farrington, Forbes, 27 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for can be forgiven 
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.
Kevin Dotson, CNN, 22 Oct. 2024
Given that the objective of the Paris talks is to address climate change, observers can be forgiven for wondering why there is so much resistance to such fundamental steps as measuring and closing the emissions gap.
—Lou Leonard, Foreign Affairs, 29 June 2015
Prospective investors can be forgiven for having little idea about what they’re being asked to support.
—Mackenzie Sigalos, CNBC, 14 Oct. 2024
If parents work in an eligible job for 10 years and make payments on the Income Contingent Repayment plan after consolidating with a Direct Consolidation loan, any remaining Parent PLUS loan debt can be forgiven at that point.
—Robert Farrington, Forbes, 27 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for can be forgiven
Dictionary Entries Near can be forgiven
Cite this Entry
“Can be forgiven.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/can%20be%20forgiven. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share