repent

verb

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re·pent | \ ri-ˈpent

repented; repenting; repents

Definition of repent

(Entry 1 of 2)

intransitive verb

1 : to turn from sin and dedicate oneself to the amendment of one's life

2a : to feel regret or contrition

b : to change one's mind

transitive verb

1 : to cause to feel regret or contrition

2 : to feel sorrow, regret, or contrition for

repent

adjective

re·pent | \ ˈrē-pənt

Definition of repent (Entry 2 of 2)

: creeping, prostrate repent stems

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Examples of repent in a Sentence

Verb The preacher told us that we would be forgiven for our sins if we repented. criminals who have repented for their crimes The preacher told us that we would be forgiven if we repented our sins.

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb Pet owners in southern Palm Beach County whose pets have been naughty can repent. — Austen Erblat, sun-sentinel.com, "Annual Blessing of the Animals to leave minister ‘smelling so awful, but feeling so good’," 20 Sep. 2019 Catholics who have committed grave sins are supposed to repent, and receive the sacrament of reconciliation, before presenting themselves for communion. — Nr Editors, National Review, "The Week," 7 Nov. 2019 In the second act, Giovanni, having failed to repent after being warned time and time again, is dragged to hell. — Vanessa Friedman, New York Times, "What’s Inside Jeffrey Epstein’s Little Black Book?," 22 July 2019 Kylo was more interested in power than in repenting for his sins (killing his father, Han Solo, key among them). — Eliana Dockterman, Time, "The Biggest Questions Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker Needs to Answer," 23 Nov. 2019 Some institutions have already taken measures to repent for ties to slavery: Seminaries in New Jersey and Virginia have pledged millions of dollars in reparations to the descendants of slaves who worked on their campuses. — Scottie Andrew, CNN, "Nearly 75% of African Americans support reparations for slavery. Only 15% of white Americans do, a poll says," 28 Oct. 2019 New Jersey Princeton: Princeton Theological Seminary will provide scholarships and set up doctoral fellowships to repent for having benefited from slavery. — USA TODAY, "Baby elephant, cougars, dognapper, burning treehouse: News from around our 50 states," 24 Oct. 2019 During this 24-hour period, Jewish people fast, engage in reflection and prayer, and formally repent for any sin that might have been committed during the previous Hebrew year. — Abigail Van Buren, oregonlive, "Dear Abby: Husband brings random homeless person home without first asking his wife," 8 Oct. 2019 Only by confessing his privilege and repenting for his beliefs would Kavanaugh gain absolution and relief. — Matthew Continetti, National Review, "Kavanaugh and the Crisis of Legitimacy," 21 Sep. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'repent.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.