PENITENCES Synonyms: 37 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'penitence' distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of penitence are compunction , contrition , remorse , and repentance . While all these words mean "regret for sin or wrongdoing," penitence implies sad and humble realization of and regret for one's misdeeds. // absolution is dependent upon sincere penitence

Q: Where would 'compunction' be a reasonable alternative to 'penitence'?

While in some cases nearly identical to penitence , compunction implies a painful sting of conscience especially for contemplated wrongdoing. // had no compunctions about taking back what is mine

Q: When could 'contrition' be used to replace 'penitence'?

The meanings of contrition and penitence largely overlap; however, contrition stresses the sorrowful regret that constitutes true penitence. // tearful expressions of contrition

Q: When can 'remorse' be used instead of 'penitence'?

While the synonyms remorse and penitence are close in meaning, remorse suggests prolonged and insistent self-reproach and mental anguish for past wrongs and especially for those whose consequences cannot be remedied. // thieves untroubled by feelings of remorse

Q: In what contexts can 'repentance' take the place of 'penitence'?

The words repentance and penitence are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, repentance adds the implication of a resolve to change. // repentance accompanied by a complete change of character

penitence

noun

ˈpe-nə-tən(t)s

Definition of penitence

as in remorse

a feeling of responsibility for wrongdoing the sincerity of the player's penitence is questionable—he began to express remorse only after the suspension was handed down

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How is the word penitence distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of penitence are compunction, contrition, remorse, and repentance. While all these words mean "regret for sin or wrongdoing," penitence implies sad and humble realization of and regret for one's misdeeds.

absolution is dependent upon sincere penitence

Where would compunction be a reasonable alternative to penitence?

While in some cases nearly identical to penitence, compunction implies a painful sting of conscience especially for contemplated wrongdoing.

had no compunctions about taking back what is mine

When could contrition be used to replace penitence?

The meanings of contrition and penitence largely overlap; however, contrition stresses the sorrowful regret that constitutes true penitence.

tearful expressions of contrition

When can remorse be used instead of penitence?

While the synonyms remorse and penitence are close in meaning, remorse suggests prolonged and insistent self-reproach and mental anguish for past wrongs and especially for those whose consequences cannot be remedied.

thieves untroubled by feelings of remorse

In what contexts can repentance take the place of penitence?

The words repentance and penitence are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, repentance adds the implication of a resolve to change.

repentance accompanied by a complete change of character

Example Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of penitence But after a perfunctory squeeze, her father lays his head on her shoulder in a gesture of affectionate, put-on penitence. — Gail Sheehy, Vanity Fair, 20 Feb. 2026 According to Vatican News, early Christians originally began preparing for Easter with just two days of fasting and penitence, which later turned into Holy Week. — Lianna Norman, Florida Times-Union, 16 Feb. 2026 It is preceded by Shrove Tuesday and marks the first day of Lent, the six weeks of penitence before Easter, which falls on April 20 this year. — Helen H. Richardson, The Denver Post, 5 Mar. 2025 In the justice system of early modern Europe, public executions offered a spectacle of both punishment and penitence. — Katrina Gulliver, JSTOR Daily, 13 Mar. 2023 See All Example Sentences for penitence

Recent Examples of Synonyms for penitence

Noun

Prosecutors, who say the men haven’t expressed any remorse, have asked federal district judge Valerie Caproni to sentence all the men to life in prison.

— Kara Scannell, CNN Money, 25 Oct. 2026
Jacobs spoke with reporters earlier this week, expressing remorse for his actions.

— Ryan Morik OutKick, FOXNews.com, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of remorse

Noun

But he was plagued by guilt over his ancestor’s role in the trials, and felt compelled to explore themes of human character, greed, and social decay through his work.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 23 Oct. 2026
As Fielder’s initially firm belief in Holmes’ guilt and manipulative powers appears to waver, Seyfried wonders if Fielder is in some way falling for her.

— Culture Critic, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of guilt

Noun

Kylian Mbappé Real Madrid Forward La Liga also issued an official statement expressing deep regret over the hurt caused to Chinese fans by Mbappé's remarks, adding that his personal views do not represent the Spanish league's position.

— Matthew Tan, CNBC, 28 Oct. 2026
The university said officials had reached out to McAfee to express their appreciation and regret.

— Stepheny Price OutKick, FOXNews.com, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of regret

Noun

She is obsessed with her closet, the organization of which puts even Kim to shame.

— Jonathan Van Meter, HollywoodReporter, 23 Oct. 2026
In a May 2023 Instagram post, Allen apologized to Gale for having an affair and acknowledged that his choices brought shame and humiliation to his family.

— Ashley Hume , Larry Fink, FOXNews.com, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of shame

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peninsulas

penitence

penitent

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“Penitence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/penitence. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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