penitential

adjective

pen·​i·​ten·​tial ˌpe-nə-ˈten(t)-shəl How to pronounce penitential (audio)
: of or relating to penitence or penance
penitentially adverb

Examples of penitential in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
During the litigation of the case, Thompson said an issue arose as to whether the pastors’ testimony would be allowed under a Kansas statute that allows penitential communication between religious leaders and church-goers to remain private. Caroline Zimmerman, Kansas City Star, 25 Sep. 2025 Other penitential acts bring the communal aspect more to the fore. Timothy Gabrielli, The Conversation, 25 Aug. 2025 During the 8th to 10th centuries, this practice fell by the wayside and the penitential season of Lent started being marked with ashes placed on the heads of the entire congregation. Chris Sims, IndyStar, 19 Apr. 2025 Geometric wrought-iron gates and latticed concrete walls pattern the scenes with a penitential feel. Namwali Serpell, The New Yorker, 25 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for penitential

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of penitential was before the 12th century

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Cite this Entry

“Penitential.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/penitential. Accessed 5 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

penitential

adjective
pen·​i·​ten·​tial ˌpen-ə-ˈten-chəl How to pronounce penitential (audio)
: of or relating to penitence or penance
penitentially adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on penitential

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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