FORSAKE Synonyms: 56 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'forsake' contrast with its synonyms?

The words abandon and desert are common synonyms of forsake . While all three words mean "to leave without intending to return," forsake suggests an action more likely to bring impoverishment or bereavement to that which is forsaken than its exposure to physical dangers. // a forsaken lover

Q: When would 'abandon' be a good substitute for 'forsake'?

While the synonyms abandon and forsake are close in meaning, abandon suggests that the thing or person left may be helpless without protection. // abandoned children

Q: When might 'desert' be a better fit than 'forsake'?

The synonyms desert and forsake are sometimes interchangeable, but desert implies that the object left may be weakened but not destroyed by one's absence. // a deserted town

forsake

verb

fər-ˈsāk

Definition of forsake

as in to leave

to cause to remain behind forsaking most of our possessions, we evacuated just before the hurricane struck

Synonyms & Similar Words

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How does the verb forsake contrast with its synonyms?

The words abandon and desert are common synonyms of forsake. While all three words mean "to leave without intending to return," forsake suggests an action more likely to bring impoverishment or bereavement to that which is forsaken than its exposure to physical dangers.

a forsaken lover

When would abandon be a good substitute for forsake?

While the synonyms abandon and forsake are close in meaning, abandon suggests that the thing or person left may be helpless without protection.

abandoned children

When might desert be a better fit than forsake?

The synonyms desert and forsake are sometimes interchangeable, but desert implies that the object left may be weakened but not destroyed by one's absence.

a deserted town

Example Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of forsake By the end of that series, Kim had forsaken her lawless life in Albuquerque and moved to a Florida suburb, giving up her legal career to work in peace at a sprinkler company. — Kate Aurthur, Variety, 9 June 2026 Even still, Xi has not forsaken fossil fuels, still required for some industry and transport. — Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 21 Apr. 2026 Perhaps this view explains his decision to forsake previous rounds of talks over Iran’s nuclear program and wage a full-scale assault on the country. — Arash Azizi, The Atlantic, 9 Apr. 2026 Mucking about in the mud and weeds doesn’t mean forsaking fashion. — Izzy Baskette, PEOPLE, 2 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for forsake

Recent Examples of Synonyms for forsake

Verb

One flight last week leaving from al-Qassim airport north of Riyadh to Geneva, sold for €94,000 ($105,000), compared with a price of about €60,000 ($67,000) before the closure of the main airport in Riyadh.

— Melissa Hancock, Fortune, 21 Oct. 2026
This serving tray combines natural rattan with an elevated floral pattern filled with roses and autumn leaves atop a stainless steel base.

— Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of leave

Verb

Many hotels have abandoned single-use amenities, and the JW Marriott has followed that move by installing refillable shampoo and other containers.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Oct. 2026
Fallen trees blocked forest roads, snow forced them to abandon some attempts and return later, and on one climb, a navigation error sent them up the wrong side of the peak.

— Harllie Stevenson, Idaho Statesman, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of abandon

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for real

forsake

forsaken

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“Forsake.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/forsake. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of forsake

verb

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