Choose the Right Synonym for repentance

penitence, repentance, contrition, compunction, remorse mean regret for sin or wrongdoing. penitence implies sad and humble realization of and regret for one's misdeeds. absolution is dependent upon sincere penitence repentance adds the implication of a resolve to change. repentance accompanied by a complete change of character contrition stresses the sorrowful regret that constitutes true penitence. tearful expressions of contrition compunction implies a painful sting of conscience especially for contemplated wrongdoing. had no compunctions about taking back what is mine remorse suggests prolonged and insistent self-reproach and mental anguish for past wrongs and especially for those whose consequences cannot be remedied. thieves untroubled by feelings of remorse

Examples of repentance in a Sentence

preached that repentance was the first step on the path of redemption

Recent Examples on the Web Looming above all, of course, was the boundless shame of the Third Reich, which left many Germans intent on moral repentance. — Alec Macgillis, ProPublica, 16 Mar. 2022 The forward move, the authors say, cannot be solely for repentance – but restitution, too. — Joan Taylor, The Christian Science Monitor, 23 Mar. 2022 The problem is, that shift is often framed as repentance, with punishing food rules that are big on promises but are ultimately unsustainable, even damaging. — Washington Post, 3 Jan. 2022 Lent is underway with its blend of repentance (for the faithful) and cheap fried fish plates. — Xander Peters, The Christian Science Monitor, 8 Mar. 2022 Ash Wednesday – officially known as the Day of Ashes – is a day of repentance, when Christians confess their sins and profess their devotion to God. — Dwight Adams, USA TODAY, 2 Mar. 2022 The expansive musical piece meditates on the meaning of repentance and offers optimism for the future. — oregonlive, 23 Feb. 2022 Roof’s lack of repentance and the willingness to forgive Roof shown by some of the survivors and relatives of people killed that day. — Angela Harrelson, ELLE, 12 Feb. 2022 The protagonist, Severian, an ex-torturer on the path of repentance, must save his world from a dying sun. — Gregory Barber, Wired, 10 Feb. 2022 See More

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

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