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

Find out how to start the credit card debt forgiveness process today. —Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 1 Apr. 2026

Kharisma won in the forgiveness category. —Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 Mar. 2026

To be eligible, you must have been employed with an eligible company during the SAVE plan pause and be close enough to forgiveness that making those payments would get you to 10 years, which is 120 months. —Claire Rafford, IndyStar, 31 Mar. 2026

However, in some cases, an OIC, has expanded under Fresh Start changes, may reduce the total amount owed, but full forgiveness is unlikely. —Deane Biermeier, USA Today, 31 Mar. 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