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

Find out how to start the debt forgiveness process today. —Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 25 Feb. 2026

Let the girls on the show have their anger … or their gratefulness … and hopefully, their forgiveness of themselves and these people. —James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 24 Feb. 2026

Compassion, sympathy, compromise, forgiveness—they’re all abhorrent to wicked rulers. —Chris John Amorosino, Hartford Courant, 24 Feb. 2026

As a result, those who expect student loan forgiveness this year should start planning for the bill now, experts say. —Kate Dore, Cfp®, Ea,annie Nova, CNBC, 23 Feb. 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