penitence

noun

pen·​i·​tence ˈpe-nə-tən(t)s 

: the quality or state of being penitent : sorrow for sins or faults

Forgiveness requires penitence.

Synonyms

• remorse
• guilt
• regret
• remorsefulness
• shame

Choose the Right Synonym for penitence

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 penitence in a Sentence

the sincerity of the player's penitence is questionable—he began to express remorse only after the suspension was handed down

Recent Examples on the Web

It is preceded by Shrove Tuesday and marks the first day of Lent, the six weeks of penitence before Easter, which falls on April 20 this year. —Helen H. Richardson, The Denver Post, 5 Mar. 2025

It was initially conceived as a time of fasting and penitence, not unlike Lent, during which observant Christians prepared themselves to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ at Christmas. —Deborah Netburn, Los Angeles Times, 30 Nov. 2024

Some could bring only fear, and the probability of future fear was dependent on the probability of past fear, as well as on the parent’s over-all chance of penitence. —Weike Wang, The New Yorker, 11 July 2024

In many religions, the sacrifice of hair can signal penitence. —Vanessa Friedman, New York Times, 27 Oct. 2023

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French penitance, from Medieval Latin poenitentia, alteration of Latin paenitentia regret, from paenitent-, paenitens, present participle

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for penitence

• antisense
• commonsense
• effulgence
• frankincense
• ninepence
• nondefense
• recommence
• recompence
• recompense
• cense
• dense
• fence

Kids Definition

penitence

noun

pen·​i·​tence ˈpen-ə-tən(t)s 

: sorrow for one's sins or faults : repentance

penitent

-tənt

adjective

penitently adverb