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.
The Institute of Student Loan Advisors has a database of student loan forgiveness programs by state. Annie Nova, CNBC, 26 Apr. 2025 Under former President Joe Biden, the Education Department tried multiple times to give broad forgiveness of student loans, only to be stopped by courts. Todd Karpovich, Baltimore Sun, 24 Apr. 2025 Many borrowers got out of the monthly routine of making their monthly payment, and the promise of future payment plans and forgiveness plans made some question why repay when debt elimination could be around the corner. Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 Apr. 2025 Advertisement Advertisement The act marks a policy shift from the Biden Administration, whose efforts to grant student loan forgiveness were struck down in the courts time and time again. Solcyré Burga, Time, 22 Apr. 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 1 May. 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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