PENITENCE 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 next

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 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 Guilt, confession, penitence — this legacy vocabulary of criminal justice calls back to a time when confinement was about reform and salvation, before modern punishment turned exclusively on physical torture, the amateur savagery of shower-rape jokes, random beat-downs, the cruelty of solitary. —

New York Times, 7 June 2022 See all Example Sentences for penitence

Recent Examples of Synonyms for penitence

Noun

Victims’ father Juan Carlos Rodriguez Sr., questioned Nangle’s remorse in court and the integrity of the investigation into his sons deaths.

— Rosalio Ahumada, Sacramento Bee, 4 Feb. 2025
The Dodgers are the polar opposite of those ’97 Marlins, showing no remorse over their ability to outspend everyone.

— Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 29 Jan. 2025