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
That the series can't decide if its mythological title is more metaphor, reality, or set dressing can be forgiven.
—
Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 23 May 2025
Wood was making his first appearance since being sidelined with a hip injury sustained on international duty and can be forgiven a little rustiness as a result.
—Paul Taylor, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025
With sales figures and new developments like robotaxis dominating headlines, investors can be forgiven for buying into passenger electric vehicle hype.
—Earl Carr, Forbes.com, 30 July 2025
So while industry executives froth over a pitcher with a 6.66 ERA (Alcantara), fans can be forgiven for their ambivalence.
—Jon Paul Hoornstra, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for can be forgiven
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Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 23 May 2025
Wood was making his first appearance since being sidelined with a hip injury sustained on international duty and can be forgiven a little rustiness as a result.
—Paul Taylor, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025
With sales figures and new developments like robotaxis dominating headlines, investors can be forgiven for buying into passenger electric vehicle hype.
—Earl Carr, Forbes.com, 30 July 2025
So while industry executives froth over a pitcher with a 6.66 ERA (Alcantara), fans can be forgiven for their ambivalence.
—Jon Paul Hoornstra, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for 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 3 Sep. 2025.
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