PENITENT Synonyms: 32 Similar and Opposite Words

penitent

adjective

ˈpe-nə-tənt

Definition of penitent

as in ashamed

feeling sorrow for a wrong that one has done a penitent gossip who had come to ask for forgiveness

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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

Adjective

But 37 offensive points is nothing to be ashamed of in the NFL.

— Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 14 Sep. 2026
Some classmates were ashamed that their immigrant parents spoke only Polish or Hungarian at home.

— Gloria Steinem, The Atlantic, 4 Sep. 2026

Definition of ashamed

Adjective

Several artists said Ludlow, though remorseful about the festival’s outcome, failed to communicate updates about the cancellation beyond last-minute form letters.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 20 Aug. 2026
To Tommy, Anna and Molly are twittering encumbrances, idiotic in their insistence on good works and the good of man, their endless remorseful hedgings about the Communist Party.

— Cynthia Zarin, Harpers Magazine, 4 Aug. 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

After meeting at a society reception, Henry sets out to marry Henrietta, an endearingly clumsy, overly apologetic botanist with ambitions of discovering a new species of fern.

— Air Mail, Air Mail, 5 Sep. 2026
An apologetic Marks had to deliver the news to her royal friend that she was required to be with family for the last weeks of August, and would be unable to take the trip to Italy as planned.

— Allie Merriam, Vanity Fair, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of apologetic

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penitence

penitent

penitential

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“Penitent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/penitent. Accessed 23 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of penitent

adjective

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