Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

venial sin

noun

Definition of venial sin

1 : a sin that is relatively slight or that is committed without full reflection or consent and so according to Thomist theology does not deprive the soul of sanctifying grace — compare mortal sin
2 : a minor offense

Examples of venial sin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

 My reservations have little to do with standard criticisms like awkward performances or clunky production values — venial sins, surely, for new filmmakers trying to find their way. — Justin Chang, latimes.com, "A Christian critic wrestles with new biblical films and the hope of a better 'faith-based' cinema," 30 Mar. 2018

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

First Known Use of venial sin

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about venial sin

Statistics for venial sin

Look-up Popularity

Time Traveler for venial sin

The first known use of venial sin was in the 14th century

See more words from the same century

Keep scrolling for more

More Definitions for venial sin

venial sin

noun

English Language Learners Definition of venial sin

in the Roman Catholic Church : a sin (such as stealing something small) that is not very serious and will not result in punishment that lasts forever

See the full definition for venial sin in the English Language Learners Dictionary

More from Merriam-Webster on venial sin

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with venial sin

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about venial sin

Comments on venial sin

What made you want to look up venial sin? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Show Comments  Hide Comments 

WORD OF THE DAY

boilerplate

Listen to the pronounciation of boilerplate

standardized text or formulaic language

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Test Your Vocabulary

Finance Words Quiz

  • a-piggy-bank
  • The etymology of mortgage is related most closely to which two words?
True or False

Test your knowledge - and maybe learn something along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ
SCRABBLE® Sprint

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games