forgiveness

noun

for·​give·​ness fər-ˈgiv-nəs 

fȯr-

: the act of forgiving

I ask for your forgiveness.

Synonyms of forgiveness

• 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

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

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