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.
Cannes Camera d’Or winner Ben’Imana, directed by Marie-Clémentine Dusabejambo, unfolds in the shadow of the 1994 Rwandan genocide, exploring its legacy and the possibility of forgiveness. — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 2 Sep. 2026 Orbitals follows in these classics’ footsteps, tackling subjects like agency of choice and forgiveness. — George Yang, Space.com, 1 Sep. 2026 At both events, El-Sayed sought forgiveness for comments earlier in the year that linked the March Hezbollah-style car-ramming at Temple Israel in West Bloomfield Township to Israel’s war in Lebanon. — Andrew Lapin, Sun Sentinel, 31 Aug. 2026 That could mean larger payments and affect your ability to make progress toward loan forgiveness. — Maya Benjamin,dan Avery, CNBC, 31 Aug. 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 4 Sep. 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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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