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 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 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, The Courier-Journal, 14 Feb. 2024 The practices were somewhat penitential, but not as intense as those of Lent, and the spirit was much more preparation than penance. WSJ, 4 Jan. 2024 Sanctuary had for centuries grown detached from penitential discipline and become incorporated within royal criminal law, while the church’s emphasis shifted from the sacrality of space to jurisdictional immunity, which in turn became more closely linked to royal grants. Rafil Kroll-Zaidi, The New York Review of Books, 3 Nov. 2020 See all Example Sentences for penitential 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'penitential.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near penitential

Cite this Entry

“Penitential.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/penitential. Accessed 16 Oct. 2024.

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

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