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

Performed over several days, the Hajj can be a deeply moving spiritual experience and a chance to seek God’s forgiveness. —ABC News, 27 May 2026

For pilgrims, Hajj, performed over five days, can be a deeply moving spiritual experience and a chance to seek God’s forgiveness and the erasure of past sins. —Baraa Anwer, Los Angeles Times, 26 May 2026

Standard plan payments also may not count toward student loan forgiveness in many cases, including under Public Service Loan Forgiveness, or PSLF. —Adam S. Minsky, Forbes.com, 26 May 2026

Be Forgiving Kim Fluke also shares a bit of advice that’s not a practical tip, but about attitude—forgiveness for you and the trees. —Nadia Hassani, The Spruce, 25 May 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