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 view count was still climbing when Malone drove a few towns over and shot himself in the head in the front seat of his Dodge Challenger, leaving a note to his wife and young children asking for their forgiveness. —Daniel Kolitz, Harpers Magazine, 24 Oct. 2025

Tragedy to triumph, with forgiveness the bridge. —Miami Herald, 23 Oct. 2025

The clarification brings relief to borrowers who were recently notified of their forgiveness eligibility but may still be waiting for their balances to be zeroed out. —Kamaron McNair, CNBC, 22 Oct. 2025

Even with the agreement in place, mass layoffs at the Education Department could factor into processing times for forgiveness, said Megan Walter, senior policy analyst at the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators. —Dave Smith, Fortune, 22 Oct. 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