remission

noun

re·​mis·​sion ri-ˈmi-shən 

1

: the act or process of remitting

2

: a state or period during which something is remitted

Synonyms

• absolution
• amnesty
• forgiveness
• pardon
• remittal

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

Of those who received both drugs, 83 percent achieved remission at 12 weeks versus 61 and 75 percent of those treated with just one drug. —Lydia Denworth, Scientific American, 18 Mar. 2025

Consider the journey to remission (a period of little to no symptoms) a rollercoaster. —Chaz Frazier, Health, 8 Feb. 2025

But cancer experts like Dr. Ng say that the meaning of remission in a patient can vary. —Gina Kolata, New York Times, 15 Jan. 2025

After the cancer entered remission, Jones joined the cast of the daytime soap opera Capitol in 1982. —Colson Thayer, People.com, 6 Mar. 2025

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

Phrases Containing remission

• go into remission
• in remission

Rhymes for remission

• addition
• admission
• ambition
• attrition
• audition
• clinician
• cognition
• coition
• commission
• condition
• contrition
• dentition

Kids Definition

remission

noun

re·​mis·​sion ri-ˈmish-ən 

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 

: 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 

: the act or process of remitting