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

Buddhism, the country’s dominant religion, offers rituals for healing, reincarnation and forgiveness. —Sophal Ear, The Conversation, 14 Apr. 2025

As to the economy, Noboa has leaned heavily into economic proposals like cash payments and debt forgiveness for farmers affected by natural disasters. —Max Saltman, CNN Money, 11 Apr. 2025

But never on the same night and certainly never embracing in a pose of mutual forgiveness. —Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 7 Apr. 2025

Biden-era loan forgiveness has mostly been derailed by legal injunctions and court orders that held many of its proposals unconstitutional. —Mary Ann Koruth, USA Today, 31 Mar. 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