forgiveness

noun

for·​give·​ness fər-ˈgiv-nəs 

fȯr-

: the act of forgiving

I ask for your forgiveness.

Synonyms

• absolution
• amnesty
• pardon
• remission
• remittal

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

Processing forbearances can count toward student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program for a period of up to 60 days. —Adam S. Minsky, Forbes.com, 20 May 2025

More than 134,000 Los Angeles County residents began getting notices in the mail Monday as part of the first wave of medical bill forgiveness made possible by the county’s Medical Debt Relief Program. —Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 20 May 2025

For Sydney, the question becomes less about Margo or Damon’s innocence and more about the weight of guilt and the freedom of forgiveness. —Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 19 May 2025

If there’s redemption or forgiveness to be found, it’s neither easily attained nor equally applied. —Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 15 May 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