forgiveness

noun

for·​give·​ness fər-ˈgiv-nəs 

fȯr-

: the act of forgiving

I ask for your forgiveness.

Synonyms

• amnesty
• pardon

Examples of forgiveness in a Sentence

She treats us with kindness and forgiveness.

they asked her forgiveness for failing to invite her to the party

Recent Examples on the Web

My own experience has taught me that fidelity, forgiveness, and faithfulness within families yield deep, enduring peace. —Russell M. Nelson, Time, 5 Sep. 2025

Ingelsby preserves the thrills of a relentless investigation while foregrounding his ensemble’s relatable — often painfully so — experiences with guilt and forgiveness. —Ben Travers, IndieWire, 4 Sep. 2025

In Christian lore, the sycamore also symbolizes repentance, humility, and forgiveness of one’s sins, evoked by the story of the tax collector Zacchaeus, who climbed one to see Jesus. —Ellen Walker, JSTOR Daily, 3 Sep. 2025

Feng Shaofeng co-stars in the emotional character study about guilt and the possibility of forgiveness. —Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 3 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for forgiveness

• liveness

Kids Definition

forgiveness

noun

for·​give·​ness fər-ˈgiv-nəs 

fȯr-

: the act of forgiving : pardon