REPENTANCE Synonyms: 37 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of repentance are compunction , contrition , penitence , and remorse . While all these words mean "regret for sin or wrongdoing," repentance adds the implication of a resolve to change. // repentance accompanied by a complete change of character

Q: When could 'compunction' be used to replace 'repentance'?

In some situations, the words compunction and repentance are roughly equivalent. However, compunction implies a painful sting of conscience especially for contemplated wrongdoing. // had no compunctions about taking back what is mine

Q: When is it sensible to use 'contrition' instead of 'repentance'?

The words contrition and repentance are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, contrition stresses the sorrowful regret that constitutes true penitence. // tearful expressions of contrition

Q: When is 'penitence' a more appropriate choice than 'repentance'?

The words penitence and repentance can be used in similar contexts, but penitence implies sad and humble realization of and regret for one's misdeeds. // absolution is dependent upon sincere penitence

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

Although the words remorse and repentance have much in common, 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

repentance

noun

ri-ˈpen-tᵊn(t)s

Definition of repentance next

as in remorse

a feeling of responsibility for wrongdoing preached that repentance was the first step on the path of redemption

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word repentance distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of repentance are compunction, contrition, penitence, and remorse. While all these words mean "regret for sin or wrongdoing," repentance adds the implication of a resolve to change.

repentance accompanied by a complete change of character

When could compunction be used to replace repentance?

In some situations, the words compunction and repentance are roughly equivalent. However, compunction implies a painful sting of conscience especially for contemplated wrongdoing.

had no compunctions about taking back what is mine

When is it sensible to use contrition instead of repentance?

The words contrition and repentance are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, contrition stresses the sorrowful regret that constitutes true penitence.

tearful expressions of contrition

When is penitence a more appropriate choice than repentance?

The words penitence and repentance can be used in similar contexts, but penitence implies sad and humble realization of and regret for one's misdeeds.

absolution is dependent upon sincere penitence

When can remorse be used instead of repentance?

Although the words remorse and repentance have much in common, 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

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 repentance Playing Emilia, who finds love and dedicates her life to helping the victims of cartel violence as a form of repentance, demanded a subtler touch. —

Julian Sancton, The Hollywood Reporter, 11 Jan. 2025 Many Koreans lament that Japan needs to be more like Germany and show sincere repentance for its wartime actions, something like West German Chancellor Willy Brandt’s falling to his knees at a memorial for the Jewish ghetto in Warsaw. —

Jeffrey W. Hornung, Foreign Affairs, 13 Jan. 2015 In the meantime, this aggressively revisionist supermarket, as indicated in Butler’s novel, has become part pharmacy, part a site of repentance for past consumption. —

Harmony Holiday, Los Angeles Times, 24 Oct. 2024 The purpose of Yom Kippur, also known as the Day of Atonement, is to practice forgiving others and repentance for one’s sins against God. —

Zach Bradshaw, The Arizona Republic, 11 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for repentance

Recent Examples of Synonyms for repentance

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