contrition

noun

con·​tri·​tion kən-ˈtri-shən 

: the state of being contrite : repentance

She shed tears of contrition for her sins.

Synonyms

• contriteness
• guilt
• penitence
• regret
• remorse
• remorsefulness
• repentance
• rue
• self-reproach
• shame

Choose the Right Synonym for contrition

penitence, repentance, contrition, compunction, remorse 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

repentance adds the implication of a resolve to change.

repentance accompanied by a complete change of character

contrition stresses the sorrowful regret that constitutes true penitence.

tearful expressions of contrition

compunction implies a painful sting of conscience especially for contemplated wrongdoing.

had no compunctions about taking back what is mine

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

Examples of contrition in a Sentence

Were her tears a true sign of contrition?

we were moved to forgive by his tearful expressions of contrition

Recent Examples on the Web

The stewards still looked dimly on the matter despite noting his contrition, fining him €10,000 with €5,000 being suspended for 12 months. —Luke Smith, New York Times, 11 Apr. 2025

In the lead up to the party, Eady had expressed contrition to other cast members about her previous actions toward Moore. —Kate Aurthur, Variety, 7 Apr. 2025

On Monday, Hochman submitted an 88-page court filing asking a judge to rescind the initial order for the re-sentencing hearing, arguing that the brothers have shown little contrition and are unwilling to take responsibility for the killings. —Peter D'abrosca, Fox News, 12 Mar. 2025

Zuckerberg’s contrition – whether real, fake or somewhere in between – doesn’t really matter one way or the other, though. —Rich Lowry, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English contricioun "disruption, rift or breach, sorrow for sins committed," borrowed from Anglo-French cuntriciun, contricion, borrowed from Latin contrītiōn-, contrītiō "dismay, grief, despondency" (Medieval Latin also "crushing sense of sin"), from contrī-, variant stem of conterere "to crush, wear out or down, exhaust mentally or physically" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action — more at contrite

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for contrition

• addition
• admission
• ambition
• attrition
• audition
• clinician
• cognition
• coition
• commission
• condition
• dentition
• dismission

Kids Definition

contrition

noun

con·​tri·​tion kən-ˈtrish-ən 

: the state of being contrite