Antonyms for forgive are words that represent the opposite action of pardoning or excusing someone for a wrongdoing. These antonyms convey feelings of resentment, bitterness, or a lack of willingness to let go of a transgression. By exploring these antonyms, one can gain a deeper understanding of the complex range of emotions associated with harboring grudges or holding onto past grievances.
Some common antonyms for forgive include terms like blame, condemn, accuse, punish, or resent. These words highlight the act of placing fault or assigning responsibility for a mistake or offense, rather than offering absolution or understanding. Understanding these antonyms can shed light on the emotional weight carried by individuals who struggle to let go of hurt or anger.
Exploring antonyms for forgive can provide valuable insights into the human capacity for both compassion and resentment. By examining these contrasting terms, we can better comprehend the intricacies of human relationships, forgiveness, and the lasting impact of holding onto past hurts.
35 Antonyms for FORGIVE With Sentences
Here’s a complete list of opposite for forgive. Practice and let us know if you have any questions regarding FORGIVE antonyms.
| Antonym | Sentence with Forgive | Sentence with Antonym |
|---|---|---|
| Hold a grudge | He decided to forgive his childhood friend for their past misunderstandings. | He chose to hold a grudge against his childhood friend for their past misunderstandings. |
| Condemn | The priest advised him to forgive himself for his past mistakes. | The judge was quick to condemn the criminal to the maximum punishment. |
| Blame | She found it in her heart to forgive her sister for ruining her favorite dress. | She could not help but blame her sister for ruining her favorite dress. |
| Accuse | Despite the betrayal, she managed to forgive her partner for his infidelity. | Unable to contain her anger, she accused her partner of infidelity. |
| resent | Although hurt by his actions, she was able to forgive her colleague for taking credit for her work. | She could not help but resent her colleague for taking credit for her work. |
| Punish | After the argument, they both agreed to forgive each other and move on. | After the argument, they both refused to punish each other and move on. |
| Begrudge | It takes strength to forgive someone who has deeply hurt you. | It takes bitterness to begrudge someone who has deeply hurt you. |
| Revenge | Through forgiveness, she found peace within herself. | Through revenge, she sought to even the score. |
| Retain anger | He finally found it in his heart to forgive his father for the years of neglect. | He still chose to retain anger towards his father for the years of neglect. |
| Grudge | She couldn’t help but forgive her friend for the betrayal, even though she still held a grudge. | |
| Denounce | Despite the challenges, they managed to forgive each other for the hurtful words spoken. | Unable to move past the hurt, they chose to denounce each other for the hurtful words spoken. |
| Revenge | Instead of seeking revenge, she chose to forgive those who had wronged her. | |
| Retaliate | She decided to forgive him for his hurtful words rather than retaliating in anger. | |
| Condemn | They chose to forgive each other for past actions rather than condemn each other further. | |
| Bear a grudge | She found it in herself to forgive her sister, instead of bearing a grudge. | |
| Retain resentment | He was able to forgive his former boss, choosing not to retain resentment. | |
| Avenge | Despite her pain, she decided to forgive her ex-partner instead of seeking revenge. | |
| Blame | It was hard, but eventually, he managed to forgive himself and let go of blame. | |
| Accuse | She refused to accuse him of any wrongdoing and instead chose to forgive him. | |
| Punish | They knew that it was time to forgive each other and not continue to punish themselves. | |
| Hold onto a grudge | They made the conscious choice to forgive each other and not hold onto a grudge. | |
| Reprisal | Instead of seeking reprisal, she opted to forgive, bringing peace within herself. | |
| Harboring resentment | By choosing to forgive, she stopped harboring resentment towards those who had wronged her. | |
| Reprisal | They both decided that reconciliation was more important than seeking reprisal. | |
| Retribution | She believed in the power of forgiveness over the need for retribution. | |
| Keep a score | He made the decision to forgive rather than keep a score of all the wrongs committed. | |
| Lay a charge | Instead of choosing to lay a charge, she opted to forgive and move on in peace. | |
| Point the finger | Rather than pointing the finger, they both chose to forgive and start anew. | |
| Fault | Despite the accident, he was quick to forgive himself and stop placing fault. | |
| Enmity | By forgiving each other, they were able to dissolve the enmity between them. |
Final Thoughts about Antonyms of FORGIVE
Holding onto grudges can be harmful to our mental and emotional well-being. When we refuse to let go of past grievances, we trap ourselves in a cycle of anger and resentment, which can prevent us from moving forward and finding peace. It’s important to understand that forgiveness is not always easy, but it is crucial for our own growth and healing.
By embracing compassion and understanding, we free ourselves from the weight of negativity and open ourselves up to a more positive and fulfilling life. Letting go of bitterness and choosing to forgive can lead to greater happiness and inner peace. So, instead of holding onto grudges, let’s choose to release the burden of resentment and make room for love and forgiveness in our hearts.