penitential
adjective
pen·i·ten·tial
ˌpe-nə-ˈten(t)-shəl 
: of or relating to penitence or penance
Examples of penitential in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
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
In the 4th century, these festivals were adapted by Christians and incorporated into the liturgical calendar as a period of indulgence before the penitential observance of Lent.
—Brandi D. Addison, Austin American Statesman, 4 Mar. 2025
Geometric wrought-iron gates and latticed concrete walls pattern the scenes with a penitential feel.
—Namwali Serpell, The New Yorker, 25 Mar. 2025
Inclement weather, a lack of footwear, and food and sleep deprivation all contribute to pilgrims’ immersion in the penitential suffering of purgatory.
—Lanta Davis and Vince Reighard, Smithsonian Magazine, 15 Mar. 2024
See All Example Sentences for penitential
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.
Chris Sims, IndyStar, 19 Apr. 2025
In the 4th century, these festivals were adapted by Christians and incorporated into the liturgical calendar as a period of indulgence before the penitential observance of Lent.
—Brandi D. Addison, Austin American Statesman, 4 Mar. 2025
Geometric wrought-iron gates and latticed concrete walls pattern the scenes with a penitential feel.
—Namwali Serpell, The New Yorker, 25 Mar. 2025
Inclement weather, a lack of footwear, and food and sleep deprivation all contribute to pilgrims’ immersion in the penitential suffering of purgatory.
—Lanta Davis and Vince Reighard, Smithsonian Magazine, 15 Mar. 2024
See All Example Sentences for penitential
Cite this Entry
“Penitential.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/penitential. Accessed 14 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share