repentance

noun

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re·pen·tance | \ ri-ˈpen-tᵊn(t)s

Definition of repentance

: the action or process of repenting especially for misdeeds or moral shortcomings

Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym Example Sentences Learn More about repentance

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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 For Christians, Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent, a six-week period of reflection and repentance before the resurrection of Jesus is celebrated on Easter. — Jean Hopfensperger, Star Tribune, "Lent kits, ashes to go mark Ash Wednesday during pandemic," 15 Feb. 2021 In the Old Testament, ashes were frequently used as a sign of humility, mortality, and repentance. — Laura Hanrahan, Woman's Day, "When Is Ash Wednesday 2020? Everything You Need To Know About The First Day of Lent," 3 Feb. 2020 There are profound insights about repentance, redemption, forgiveness for past sins and unity in the face of existential evil. — Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, "Column: What Netflix’s ‘Cobra Kai’ teaches us about how to deal with Trump," 18 Jan. 2021 Unlike the festive celebrations of New Year in other faiths, the Jewish New Year is a time of reflection on one’s actions of the past year and sincere repentance for those sins. — Dwight Adams, USA TODAY, "Rosh Hashanah 2020: The two-day Jewish celebration starts Friday and leads into Yom Kippur later this month," 18 Sep. 2020 But returning to the subject, repentance shouldn’t be an easy, empty apology. — Patrick Crooks, The New Yorker, "Martin Luther’s Ninety-five Theses, as E-mailed by Your Passive-Aggressive Co-Worker," 14 Nov. 2020 Maybe that can be a small repentance for its past ecological transgressions. — Ben Stewart, Popular Mechanics, "The Hummer's 40-Year Journey From Military Hero to Electrified Future Truck," 25 Oct. 2020 After the fall of communism, Solzhenitsyn’s call for repentance, for a historical reckoning on the model of Germany’s post-Nazi Vergangenheitsbewältigung, went unheeded. — Ignat Solzhenitsyn, WSJ, "Russia and the Soviet Union: Solzhenitsyn Knew the Difference," 23 Oct. 2020 Rabbi Schultz suggests repentance and atonement, specifically towards Joey and Rachel. — Lydia Wang, refinery29.com, "R29 Binge Club: Netflix’s Grand Army Recaps," 19 Oct. 2020

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.