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

Motherhood, grief, forgiveness, and love will take over the big screen when Reminders of Him hits theaters on March 13, 2026. —Anna Halkidis, Parents, 11 Mar. 2026

The kind of instigating prompt was my former teacher, the author Lydia Yuknavitch, asking where the rage lived in my work, because Long Live was so much about forgiveness and tenderness and understanding. —Emma Specter, Vogue, 10 Mar. 2026

Again, not as dramatic as forgiveness or as frugal as full steam ahead. —Howard Dvorkin, Sun Sentinel, 10 Mar. 2026

Your 12th House of Peace stirs as the Love Goddess Venus conjoins nebulous Neptune, inviting the kind of deep rest that’s necessary for true forgiveness. —Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 7 Mar. 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