forgiveness

noun

for·​give·​ness fər-ˈgiv-nəs 

fȯr-

: the act of forgiving

I ask for your forgiveness.

Synonyms

• 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

Instead, new student loans will be given the option to pay back the loans between 10 and 25 years (the duration fluctuates based on the loan balance at graduation), as well as an option to have student loan forgiveness after 30 years of payments. —Nathan Goldman, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025

Even Hinton’s father asked for forgiveness on behalf of his family. —David Ferrara, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025

Pros High customer satisfaction ratings Available in most states Affordable rates for teen drivers Cons Doesn’t offer gap insurance Accident forgiveness requires nine years without an at-fault accident. —Liz Knueven, CNBC, 30 June 2025

About 43 million Americans have some sort of student loan debt, which proponents of forgiveness plans say limit economic mobility. —Andrew Stanton, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 June 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