forgiveness

noun

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

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.
This rhetoric aligns with long-standing conservative critiques that loan forgiveness might enable frivolous borrowing or academic pursuits with little payoff. Shahar Ziv, Forbes, 8 Mar. 2025 One result of those changes was a boom in loan forgiveness. Jonaki Mehta, NPR, 7 Mar. 2025 President Donald Trump is set to sign an executive order restricting student loan forgiveness for individuals working in public service careers, specifically targeting certain nonprofit organizations, according to White House staff secretary Will Scharf. William Lambers, Newsweek, 7 Mar. 2025 The Trump administration isn't expected to defend the Biden administration's student loan forgiveness and repayment programs, which have been tied up in court cases, experts say. Aimee Picchi, CBS News, 7 Mar. 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Forgiveness.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/forgiveness. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

forgiveness

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

More from Merriam-Webster on forgiveness

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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