penitent

adjective

ˈpe-nə-tənt How to pronounce penitent (audio)
Definition of penitentnext
as in ashamed
feeling sorrow for a wrong that one has done a penitent gossip who had come to ask for forgiveness

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 penitent It is flanked on all sides by footlong rulers (emblazoned, like the yardsticks, with an assortment of penitent phrases including YES, SISTER and NO, SISTER) marking the hours. — Alex Jovanovich, Artforum, 1 Jan. 2026 When in the presence of God, one is meant to assume a penitent air. — Literary Hub, 20 June 2025 For his part, the boy is quiet and seems penitent, making the cell a calming refuge for Dean within an institution unofficially ruled by a cutthroat mini mob boss, Freddie (Ishay Lalosh). — Judy Berman, Time, 2 May 2025 Your penitent correspondent humbly submits that the whole ritual has jumped the shark in Northeast Ohio. — Sam Allard, Axios, 7 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for penitent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for penitent
  1. ashamed
  2. sorry
  3. remorseful
  4. repentant
  5. contrite
  6. apologetic
  7. regretful
Adjective
  • The wicker man’s superiority makes all the villagers feel ashamed.
    — Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Ben Affleck clearly isn’t ashamed to be a third wheel with best friend Matt Damon and his wife.
    — Leigh Blickley, Entertainment Weekly, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of ashamed
Adjective
  • True, but there are other issues that rubbed me the wrong way (sorry).
    — Valerie Monroe, Allure, 23 Oct. 2026
  • The decline of Capra, in the wake of the Second World War, was a sorry spectacle.
    — Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of sorry
Adjective
  • The once-promising prodigy will grow dissolute, remorseful and resentful of his wife, who outlives him.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 13 Oct. 2026
  • The 6-foot-3, 246-pound junior was remorseful after the game.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 26 Sep. 2026
Definition of remorseful
Adjective
  • Johnson wrote in a letter in the filing to the Illinois review board that Hoover is repentant and has the potential and the desire to live the rest of his life as a force for good in his community.
    — Beatrice Peterson, ABC News, 22 Oct. 2025
  • Perry had been reluctant to engage with recovery groups in the past, which are often structured around repentant confessions.
    — Katy Golvala, Hartford Courant, 4 Aug. 2025
Definition of repentant
Adjective
  • The veteran receiver, who joined the Commanders as a free agent in August, was contrite.
    — Barry Svrluga, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2026
  • On Sunday a contrite Brewster apologized.
    — Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 22 June 2026
Definition of contrite
Adjective
  • Orson delivered an apologetic news conference the next day and went on to even greater fame and success.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Without becoming defensive or overly apologetic, respectfully reinforce that your decision has already been made.
    — Jasmine Johnson, CNBC, 29 Sep. 2026
Definition of apologetic
Adjective
  • Responses varied by age and gender, with the most regretful group being Gen Z women.
    — Neil J. Rubenking, PC Magazine, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Regina genuinely likes Louis, is regretful about getting loud with him, and after learning about Claudia feels sorry for him.
    — Sabrina Reed, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026
Definition of regretful

Browse Nearby Words

penitence
penitent
penitential
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Cite this Entry

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

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