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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Recent Examples of penitence
Especially at this time of year, when mismatches on the power play — at 6-foot-4, Nichushkin blots out the sun as well as opposing goalies’ vision — can often mean the difference between parades and penitence.
—
Sean Keeler, The Denver Post, 14 May 2024
In many religions, the sacrifice of hair can signal penitence.
—Vanessa Friedman, New York Times, 27 Oct. 2023
An attempt by one German activist to shift attention to Russia’s current war showed just how ingrained the traditional focus on World War II penitence has become.
—Ekaterina Bodyagina, New York Times, 28 Apr. 2023
Mardi Gras, or Fat Tuesday, is the last day of indulgence allowed before the period of fasting and penitence.
—al, 22 Feb. 2023
See All Example Sentences for penitence
Sean Keeler, The Denver Post, 14 May 2024
In many religions, the sacrifice of hair can signal penitence.
—Vanessa Friedman, New York Times, 27 Oct. 2023
An attempt by one German activist to shift attention to Russia’s current war showed just how ingrained the traditional focus on World War II penitence has become.
—Ekaterina Bodyagina, New York Times, 28 Apr. 2023
Mardi Gras, or Fat Tuesday, is the last day of indulgence allowed before the period of fasting and penitence.
—al, 22 Feb. 2023
See All Example Sentences for penitence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for penitence
Noun
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Inability to make eye contact could be interpreted as guilt or shame, while facial expressions contrary to the tone of the proceedings could be seen as cold or lacking remorse.—
Alex Brizee,
Idaho Statesman,
5 Mar. 2025
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In an email following the discussions, Cox allegedly confirmed that King expressed remorse and apologized after confirming the accusations.—
Esther Kang,
People.com,
26 Feb. 2025
Noun
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Even those who retain their jobs may deal with survivor’s guilt or anxiety over future job cuts.—
Jack Kelly,
Forbes,
4 Mar. 2025
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Casey Anthony’s guilt is essentially settled fact among true crime fans.—
Aja Romano,
Vox,
4 Mar. 2025
Noun
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For the past year, the Brooklyn Center for Theater Research—a theatrical collective with downtown cool—has been immersed in an evolving production of Uncle Vanya, Anton Chekhov’s timeless study of regret, inertia and longing.—
Darryn King,
Forbes,
2 Mar. 2025
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Professionals offer advice on the best ways to maintain your momentum once mid-project regret syndrome sets in.—
Kristine Gill,
Better Homes & Gardens,
2 Mar. 2025
Noun
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My enemies, including Dalen, The self-checkout-monitor guy, Laugh me to shame.—
Ian Frazier,
The New Yorker,
10 Mar. 2025
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That’s a shame, because egg farming is particularly cruel to animals.—
Kenny Torrella,
Vox,
9 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Penitence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/penitence. Accessed 16 Mar. 2025.
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