forgiveness

noun

for·​give·​ness fər-ˈgiv-nəs How to pronounce forgiveness (audio)
fȯr-
Synonyms of forgivenessnext
: the act of forgiving
I ask for your forgiveness.

Synonyms of forgiveness

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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
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.
Handed to him by the Biden administration, all that sane-washing dovetails beautifully with authoritarian religion, because Evangelical Christianity similarly preaches a version of forgiveness typically lacking in any accountability. — Literary Hub, 26 Oct. 2026 The play, written by Jessica Dickey, is a fictional exploration of a schoolhouse shooting in an Amish community, and how the community learns to provide forgiveness and compassion. — Caitlin Huston, HollywoodReporter, 23 Oct. 2026 The idea is to provide a pathway to student loan forgiveness for people who work in public service. — Aimee Picchi, CBS News, 22 Oct. 2026 The culminating scene of confession and forgiveness is at once domestic and utterly religious. — James Wood, New Yorker, 19 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for forgiveness

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of forgiveness was before the 12th century

Rhymes for forgiveness

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Browse Nearby Words

forgive me
forgiveness
forgiver
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Cite this Entry

“Forgiveness.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/forgiveness. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

forgiveness

noun
for·​give·​ness fər-ˈgiv-nəs How to pronounce forgiveness (audio)
fȯr-
: the act of forgiving : pardon
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