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

The plan allowed borrowers more affordable payment options and student loan forgiveness in less than 20 years in many cases. —Suzanne Blake, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Dec. 2025

Debt resolution, also called debt settlement or debt forgiveness, promises to negotiate down your balances, sometimes by 50% or more. —Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 5 Dec. 2025

The value of the product is in question With recent changes to federal loan forgiveness programs, some students and their parents are questioning the value of a college degree. —Andrew P. Morriss, The Conversation, 3 Dec. 2025

Andini, coming off a run of global festival successes, crafts a story about home, forgiveness and the slow, communal reshaping of identity. —Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 1 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