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

All rights reserved From repayment, to collections, to loan forgiveness, student loans have been buffeted by major changes during the last year. —Adam S. Minsky, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026

Last month the department scrapped the SAVE Plan, which was created under former President Biden and offered lower payments and a quicker path to student loan forgiveness. —Collin Binkley, Los Angeles Times, 27 Jan. 2026

However, Ye’s call for forgiveness has garnered a seemingly lukewarm response from the Anti-Defamation League (ADL). —Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 27 Jan. 2026

Pacheco pleaded guilty to providing false information to the SBA for forgiveness of a Paycheck Protection Program loan that was issued to her treatment center, Florida Life, in February 2021. —Jay Weaver, Miami Herald, 27 Jan. 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