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

Then-Bruins head coach Pat Burns had little forgiveness for a young Thornton’s poor defensive habits and lack of physicality. —Joshua Kloke, New York Times, 2 June 2026

They'll be locked into standard payment plans, which can mean higher monthly payments without any chance of forgiveness. —Medora Lee, USA Today, 2 June 2026

That way, the parent who has already borrowed can preserve their loan forgiveness and affordable repayment options. —Annie Nova, CNBC, 31 May 2026

Can betrayal ever give way to forgiveness, and even friendship? —Dana Feldman, Forbes.com, 30 May 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