forgiveness

noun

for·​give·​ness fər-ˈgiv-nəs 

fȯr-

: the act of forgiving

I ask for your forgiveness.

Synonyms

• 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 Department of Homeland Security (DHS) last month launched a hiring push to bolster detention and deportation efforts, offering incentives including student loan forgiveness and signing bonuses of up to $50,000. —Joe Edwards, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Aug. 2025

The department has not indicated when loan forgiveness under IBR will resume. —Adam S. Minsky, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2025

During his tenure, Cater has pursued a progressive agenda that has included medical debt forgiveness, college savings accounts for newborns, and a new sales tax to fund roads and parks. —Alex Derosier, Twin Cities, 16 Aug. 2025

But, as Malick reminded us all, the message of this show centers heavily around forgiveness and second chances. —Staff Author, Southern Living, 16 Aug. 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