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

The Tristia is a series of poems describing his exile and making a case for forgiveness. — Literary Hub, 12 Aug. 2026

That's because forgiveness programs are often reserved for those with larger, unsustainable amounts, with $7,500 often being the starting point. — Matt Richardson, CBS News, 12 Aug. 2026

An apparent Education Department data error is causing student loan forgiveness credit to be wiped out overnight, setting borrowers back and causing widespread panic. — Adam S. Minsky, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 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