as in penitent
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Recent Examples of penitential
This year, the start of Ramadan is expected around the same time as Ash Wednesday, a solemn day of fasting and reflection that signals the start of Lent, the most penitential season of the church calendar for Catholics and many other Christians.
—
Mariam Fam,
Los Angeles Times,
17 Feb. 2026
During the 8th to 10th centuries, this practice fell by the wayside and the penitential season of Lent started being marked with ashes placed on the heads of the entire congregation.
—
Chris Sims,
IndyStar,
13 Feb. 2026
In contrast to the penitential nature of Lent, Easter is a festive period that lasts for fifty days, culminating with the feast of Pentecost.
—
Nadia Cantú,
AZCentral.com,
3 Feb. 2026
When this occurs, public worship is suspended until a penitential rite is performed to restore the sanctity of the church.
—
Stepheny Price,
FOXNews.com,
12 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for penitential
Mariam Fam,
Los Angeles Times,
17 Feb. 2026
During the 8th to 10th centuries, this practice fell by the wayside and the penitential season of Lent started being marked with ashes placed on the heads of the entire congregation.
—
Chris Sims,
IndyStar,
13 Feb. 2026
In contrast to the penitential nature of Lent, Easter is a festive period that lasts for fifty days, culminating with the feast of Pentecost.
—
Nadia Cantú,
AZCentral.com,
3 Feb. 2026
When this occurs, public worship is suspended until a penitential rite is performed to restore the sanctity of the church.
—
Stepheny Price,
FOXNews.com,
12 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for penitential
Recent Examples of Synonyms for penitential
Adjective
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In his speech to the Spanish parliament Monday, Leo framed the right of the church to keep priest-penitent conversations confidential as a matter of freedom of religion.
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Schwimmer expressed skepticism over West’s Wall Street Journal ad, which contains penitent statements that the rapper has not offered in any live interviews or other public appearances.
Adjective
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Instead of trying to hide the battery pack behind oversized body panels, the Streetdog integrates it into the overall silhouette in a way that feels deliberate rather than apologetic.
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Palmer was immediately apologetic, though her family was already laughing.
Adjective
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On Sunday a contrite Brewster apologized.
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McGuire indicated that Sorsby is contrite about it all and said that the quarterback could speak publicly soon.
Adjective
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Outside the courtroom, attorney Eric Clayman told reporters that Watson is remorseful and didn’t want to hurt Ibrahim.
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Lil Wayne is feeling remorseful after leaving fans in Maine high and dry.
Cite this Entry
“Penitential.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/penitential. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.
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