pen·i·tent
ˈpe-nə-tənt 
: feeling or expressing humble or regretful pain or sorrow for sins or offenses : repentant
penitently
adverb
1
: a person who repents of sin
2
: a person under church censure but admitted to penance or reconciliation especially under the direction of a confessor
Examples of penitent in a Sentence
Adjective
a penitent gossip who had come to ask for forgiveness
Recent Examples on the Web
Suman Naishadham, Los Angeles Times, 8 June 2026
Marc makes an example of the penitent, powerless Jeanne, reminding the rest of his flock of the punishment for apostasy and using her rough time among the heathens as proof of why none under his control should ever want to trade his order for such modern sin and depravity.
—Richard Lawson, HollywoodReporter, 15 May 2026
Nicole Winfield, Los Angeles Times, 7 June 2026
The most recognizable are Holy Week processions during the final week of Lent where brotherhoods and robed penitents parade ornate statues of Christ and the Virgin Mary through cities, towns and villages alongside marching bands.
—Nicole Winfield, Chicago Tribune, 7 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for penitent
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Adjective
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.
—Suman Naishadham, Los Angeles Times, 8 June 2026
Marc makes an example of the penitent, powerless Jeanne, reminding the rest of his flock of the punishment for apostasy and using her rough time among the heathens as proof of why none under his control should ever want to trade his order for such modern sin and depravity.
—Richard Lawson, HollywoodReporter, 15 May 2026
Noun
The most recognizable are Semana Santa, or Holy Week, processions during the final week of Lent where brotherhoods and robed penitents parade ornate statues of Christ and the Virgin Mary through cities, towns and villages alongside marching bands.
—Nicole Winfield, Los Angeles Times, 7 June 2026
The most recognizable are Holy Week processions during the final week of Lent where brotherhoods and robed penitents parade ornate statues of Christ and the Virgin Mary through cities, towns and villages alongside marching bands.
—Nicole Winfield, Chicago Tribune, 7 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for penitent
Cite this Entry
“Penitent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/penitent. Accessed 17 Jun. 2026.
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