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

And with multiple ways to resolve this debt, ranging from credit counseling to forgiveness programs to bankruptcy for those dealing with more burdensome amounts, there's no shortage of relief options to evaluate. — Matt Richardson, CBS News, 23 June 2026

The move comes as the department prepares to implement controversial changes to the PSLF program that would give Secretary of Education Linda McMahon sweeping authority to cut off borrowers from loan forgiveness. — Adam S. Minsky, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026

As the head of a religious island community that stresses forgiveness, Sister Brigid comes dangerously close to adopting the treacherous nun persona from the source material. — Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 22 June 2026

In January, Ye took out an ad in the Wall Street Journal to plead for forgiveness after his antisemitic rampage in 2025. — Tom Tapp, Deadline, 21 June 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