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

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.
Participants who received 2,000 IU of vitamin D daily saw their cancer disappear completely 43% of the time, compared with 24% in the placebo group — a 79% relative increase in full remission. Allison Palmer, Miami Herald, 30 Apr. 2026 Among those taking vitamin D alongside treatment, 43% experienced complete remission — compared with 24% in the placebo group, a 79% relative increase in full response rates. Allison Palmer, Sacbee.com, 30 Apr. 2026 That gap represents a 79% relative increase in the rate of full remission. Allison Palmer, Kansas City Star, 30 Apr. 2026 Personalized treatments could help the field move beyond symptom suppression and toward functional remission, optimizing the probability of therapeutic success and eventually evolving into improved prevention. Eric J. Nestler, STAT, 28 Apr. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Remission.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/remission. Accessed 1 May. 2026.

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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