forbearance
noun
for·bear·ance
fȯr-ˈber-ən(t)s 
fər-
plural forbearances
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
Charles Dickens3
: the quality of being forbearing : leniency
known … for her forbearance with her incorrigible husband—Willa Cather
Willa CatherExamples 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
The chain has entered a forbearance deal that extends through June 30.
—Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 June 2025
Additionally, the limit on discretionary forbearances would drop to nine months over a 24-month period, from the current 12-month limit and three-year cumulative maximum.
4.
—Kamaron McNair, CNBC, 2 June 2025
Processing forbearances can count toward student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program for a period of up to 60 days.
—Adam S. Minsky, Forbes.com, 20 May 2025
Excluded from this report were people in deferment or forbearance, as well as private student loan borrowers.
—Anne Marie D. Lee, CBS News, 5 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for forbearance
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Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 June 2025
Additionally, the limit on discretionary forbearances would drop to nine months over a 24-month period, from the current 12-month limit and three-year cumulative maximum.
4.
—Kamaron McNair, CNBC, 2 June 2025
Processing forbearances can count toward student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program for a period of up to 60 days.
—Adam S. Minsky, Forbes.com, 20 May 2025
Excluded from this report were people in deferment or forbearance, as well as private student loan borrowers.
—Anne Marie D. Lee, CBS News, 5 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for forbearance
Cite this Entry
“Forbearance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/forbearance. Accessed 8 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
forbearance
noun
for·bear·ance
fȯr-ˈbar-ən(t)s
fər-,
-ˈber-
1
: the act of forbearing
2
: the quality of being forbearing : patience
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