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

Conversations rooted in truth, vulnerability, accountability, forgiveness, grief, love, and understanding. —Essence, 6 May 2026

Against this backdrop, the idea of pursuing debt forgiveness has become an increasingly popular one. —Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 4 May 2026

In contrast, student loan forgiveness by private lenders is extremely rare. —Annie Nova, CNBC, 4 May 2026

Matarrese delves into the history underlying these two women’s longstanding feud and arrives at a tragicomic, inventive meditation on the metaphysical possibility of reconciliation and forgiveness. —Zac Ntim, Deadline, 29 Apr. 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