remission

noun

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

Synonyms of remission

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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.
Soto then dealt with cancer treatment and went into remission, only to have to endure treatment again. — Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Oct. 2026 Some people experience a rollercoaster of relapses and remissions; others see the disease steadily progress, eventually leading to serious disability. — Dylan Scott, Vox, 21 Oct. 2026 The former University of Virginia standout was reportedly diagnosed with the Grade 4 cancer last year and briefly went into remission, but the tumors returned in July, according to Houston news site Chron. — Tracy Brown, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2026 In a pivotal clinical trial, people using the headset were about twice as likely to achieve remission from major depressive disorder after 10 weeks compared to those using a sham version. — Angela Haupt, Time, 15 Oct. 2026 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

Phrases Containing remission

Rhymes for remission

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Browse Nearby Words

remissible
remission
Remission Thursday
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Cite this Entry

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

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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
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