forbearance

noun

for·​bear·​ance fȯr-ˈber-ən(t)s How to pronounce forbearance (audio)
fər-
plural forbearances
Synonyms of forbearancenext
1
: a refraining from the enforcement of something (such as a debt, right, or obligation) that is due
The policy provides a means of forbearance for borrowers meeting certain criteria.
2
: the act of forbearing : patience
Mrs Varden entreated her to remember that … marriage … was a state requiring great fortitude and forbearance.— Charles Dickens
3
: the quality of being forbearing : leniency
known … for her forbearance with her incorrigible husband— Willa Cather

Synonyms

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Examples of forbearance in a Sentence

He showed great forbearance in his dealings with them. we thank you for your forbearance while we attend to the technical difficulties interrupting the TV program
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.
Borrowers can also apply for a number of deferments or forbearances, which can pause your payments for a year or more. — Annie Nova, CNBC, 5 Mar. 2025 Various mortgage relief efforts for fire victims, including forbearance offers and foreclosure moratoriums, have been announced. — Jonathan Lansner, Orange County Register, 5 Mar. 2025 Those facing financial hardship may also explore options such as income documentation updates or temporary forbearance while awaiting income recalculations. — Ross Rosenfeld, Newsweek, 26 Feb. 2025 While Allen would warily hold forth, Roberts — tall, baritone-voiced, sometimes bearded — would listen with patient forbearance. — Peter Tonguette, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 21 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for forbearance

Word History

Etymology

see forbear entry 1

First Known Use

1570, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of forbearance was in 1570

Rhymes for forbearance

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Browse Nearby Words

forbear
forbearance
forbearant
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Forbearance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/forbearance. Accessed 26 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

forbearance

noun
for·​bear·​ance fȯr-ˈbar-ən(t)s How to pronounce forbearance (audio)
fər-,
-ˈber-
1
: the act of forbearing
2
: the quality of being forbearing : patience

Legal Definition

forbearance

noun
for·​bear·​ance
variants also forebearance
fȯr-ˈbar-əns
: a refraining from the enforcement of something (as a debt, right, or obligation) that is due

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Nglish: Translation of forbearance for Spanish Speakers

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