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 Her father acknowledges what went wrong, apologizes, asks forgiveness, and changes. — Literary Hub, 9 Oct. 2026 At the same time, the White House has promised up to $60,000 in student loan forgiveness for people who join Immigration and Customs Enforcement. — Justin Klawans, TheWeek, 9 Oct. 2026 Hahn, who said her anger eventually gave way to forgiveness, came to believe Bakker had genuinely changed. — Charlotte Observer, 6 Oct. 2026 This gripping novel, set in a fictional, rural Colorado town, explores family dynamics, guilt versus innocence, right versus wrong, forgiveness and, yes, penitence. — The Know, Denver Post, 4 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for forgiveness

Recent Examples of Synonyms for forgiveness

Noun

Today's Republican party should take a page from their old playbook and support an amnesty program that would bring millions of undocumented immigrants out of the shadows.

— WCCO Staff, CBS News, 13 Oct. 2026
Jair Bolsonaro is imprisoned in connection with this case, while his son has pledged to grant him amnesty as his first act in office.

— Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 10 Oct. 2026

Definition of amnesty

Noun

Joe sought a presidential pardon in June 2025, and Gia said in August 2026 that the family had filed a humanitarian packet as part of its efforts to bring him home.

— Stephanie Giang-Paunon, FOXNews.com, 13 Oct. 2026
While the conviction will remain part of the historical record, the pardon removes any lasting consequence for him.

— Tamir Sorek, The Conversation, 12 Oct. 2026