remission

noun

re·​mis·​sion ri-ˈmi-shən How to pronounce remission (audio)
1
: the act or process of remitting
2
: a state or period during which something is remitted

Examples of remission in a Sentence

The patient is in remission. a temporary remission of symptoms He was given remission for good behavior.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
However, remission doesn't mean you're done with treatment. Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Aug. 2025 This new beginning comes as Princess Catherine slowly returns back to public duties after her cancer diagnosis, treatment and remission. Vivian Kwarm, New York Daily News, 18 Aug. 2025 People who switched from diet soda to water during the study were also about twice as likely to achieve diabetes remission, according to the findings. Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 26 June 2025 Dvorak is also developing a Bad Survivor TV series inspired by her time as a model in Manhattan while hiding her cancer remission. Catherine Santino, People.com, 7 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for remission

Word History

Etymology

Middle English remissioun "release from obligation, forgiveness," borrowed from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French remissiun, borrowed from Latin remissiōn-, remissiō "sending back, release, abatement, cancellation (of a debt)" (Late Latin, "forgiveness, as of sins"), from remittere "to send back, release, relax, waive (a debt, punishment)" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action — more at remit entry 1

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of remission was in the 13th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Remission.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/remission. Accessed 1 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

remission

noun
re·​mis·​sion ri-ˈmish-ən How to pronounce remission (audio)
1
: the act or process of remitting
2
: a state or period during which something is remitted

Medical Definition

remission

noun
re·​mis·​sion ri-ˈmish-ən How to pronounce remission (audio)
: a state or period during which the symptoms of a disease are abated
cancer in remission after treatment
compare arrest, cure entry 1 sense 1, intermission

Legal Definition

remission

noun
re·​mis·​sion ri-ˈmi-shən How to pronounce remission (audio)
: the act or process of remitting

More from Merriam-Webster on remission

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!