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

Other Words from repent Synonyms Example Sentences Learn More about repent

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Synonyms for repent

Synonyms: Verb

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 Remember, before anyone points the finger at the church and calls them hypocrites, eventually God will judge all who do not repent and turn back to Him. — The Rev. Mike Taylor, baltimoresun.com/maryland/carroll, "Taylor: God will judge all, but He will also deliver us from evil | RELIGION COMMENTARY," 26 Dec. 2020 The long discussion of what God goes through before allowing the waters to come down reveals a God who waits until the last instant to eradicate the world – hoping against hope that humankind would repent. — Rabbi Avi Weiss, sun-sentinel.com, "Noach parsha: The flood story’s expansive narrative," 19 Oct. 2020 During this solemn 24-hour period, observant 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: She warned her man she’d be moving south. Was he listening?," 27 Sep. 2020 For religious Jews, Rosh Hashana is a time for self-reflection, to repent for the past, and to move forward, Levy said. — Priscilla Totiyapungprasert, The Arizona Republic, "'We really go all out': How food ties this Phoenix teacher to her roots for Rosh Hashana," 19 Sep. 2020 Jewish leaders will see whether months of frantic pandemic planning succeeded in creating meaningful worship during this sacred time of year, when Jews typically gather by the hundreds to repent for sins and ask God for forgiveness. — Lois K. Solomon, sun-sentinel.com, "The latest challenge in Jewish history: COVID-19 Rosh Hashanah," 17 Sep. 2020 Some are punished when they’re caught, others publicly repent, while a few just shrug off the violations during a pandemic that has claimed more than 350,000 lives worldwide. — Sylvie Corbet, The Denver Post, "Hypocrisy gone viral? Officials set bad COVID-19 examples.," 27 May 2020 Beastie Boys Story is a tribute to that transformation, a movie about American masculinity and the delicate art of repenting in public. — Josephine Livingstone, The New Republic, "The Beastie Boys Keep It On and On," 24 Apr. 2020 Cult members stood ready with machetes to take down those who failed to repent to their satisfaction. — Washington Post, "Cult ‘anointed by God’ kills 7 in Panama Jungle," 19 Jan. 2020

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.

History and Etymology for repent

Verb

Middle English, from Anglo-French repentir, from Medieval Latin repoenitēre, from Latin re- + Late Latin poenitēre to feel regret, alteration of Latin paenitēre — more at penitent

Adjective

Latin repent-, repens, present participle of repere to creep — more at reptile

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