FORGIVENESS Synonyms: 35 Similar and Opposite Words

forgiveness

noun

fər-ˈgiv-nəs

Definition of forgiveness

as in amnesty

release from the guilt or penalty of an offense they asked her forgiveness for failing to invite her to the party

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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 forgiveness At both events, El-Sayed sought forgiveness for comments earlier in the year that linked the March Hezbollah-style car-ramming at Temple Israel in West Bloomfield Township to Israel’s war in Lebanon. — Andrew Lapin, Sun Sentinel, 31 Aug. 2026 That could mean larger payments and affect your ability to make progress toward loan forgiveness. — Maya Benjamin,dan Avery, CNBC, 31 Aug. 2026 Instead of anger, she’s leaned heavily on her faith to choose forgiveness. — Jacob Sisneros, Los Angeles Times, 30 Aug. 2026 Years later, a family reunion forces Georgette to confront her past, uncover the truth about her roots, and decide whether forgiveness and love are still possible. — Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 28 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for forgiveness

Recent Examples of Synonyms for forgiveness

Noun

Her Mexican mother was naturalized thanks to the 1986 amnesty, but her first husband struggled for years to attain legal status.

— Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 3 Sep. 2026
If a salary cap and floor are instituted, they could be phased in over a few years and could include amnesty provisions that allow teams to get out of one onerous contract that would otherwise count against the cap, etc.

— Tim Britton, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of amnesty

Noun

Other presidential powers include the negotiation of treaties and the granting of pardons.

— Tracy Grant, Encyclopedia Britannica, 26 Aug. 2026
One of the eight parole board members who took part in this case, former prosecutor Shontell Walker, was in favor of granting Noling a pardon, according to the board’s recommendation.

— Corky Siemaszko, NBC news, 25 Aug. 2026