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

Debt settlement programs, for example, which are also referred to as debt forgiveness programs, work by negotiating with collection agencies and other creditors on settlements that are less than the full amount owed. —Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 19 Dec. 2025

The rapper has already served time in prison, so a Tennessee pardon is a state of forgiveness for past crimes and restores civil rights like voting. —Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 19 Dec. 2025

Unlike recent high-profile federal pardons, which let people off the hook for prison, a Tennessee pardon serves as a statement of forgiveness for someone who has already completed a prison sentence. —Jonathan Mattise, Fortune, 18 Dec. 2025

The pardon grants him formal forgiveness from the state — a notable milestone for an artist whose music and public persona have long centered on his incarceration, rehabilitation and personal growth. —Evan Mealins, Nashville Tennessean, 18 Dec. 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