CONTRITE Synonyms: 32 Similar and Opposite Words

contrite

adjective

kən-ˈtrīt

Definition of contrite

as in remorseful

feeling sorrow for a wrong that one has done being contrite is not enough to spare you a detention if you're caught skipping class

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of contrite This and that ▪ Dolphins rookie running back Ollie Gordon II was contrite about lashing out at running backs coach Eric Studesville in a heated exchange after Gordon was called for a tripping penalty against Baltimore. — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 7 Nov. 2025 That's why Gausman was contrite despite a mostly fantastic effort. — Jackson Roberts, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Oct. 2025 The dispatches from one of India’s most troubled generic drug makers were contrite, filled with far-reaching promises to clean up its factory, stop contamination and send safe medication to Americans counting on the company’s drugs. — Megan Rose, ProPublica, 12 Aug. 2025 Van Buren returns shortly with a newly contrite attitude, having come around to his library’s merits and read up on Toth’s prior designs in Hungary. — Anthony Paletta, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 7 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for contrite

Recent Examples of Synonyms for contrite

Adjective

The once-promising prodigy will grow dissolute, remorseful and resentful of his wife, who outlives him.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 13 Oct. 2026
The 6-foot-3, 246-pound junior was remorseful after the game.

— ABC News, ABC News, 26 Sep. 2026

Definition of remorseful

Adjective

Without becoming defensive or overly apologetic, respectfully reinforce that your decision has already been made.

— Jasmine Johnson, CNBC, 29 Sep. 2026
After meeting at a society reception, Henry sets out to marry Henrietta, an endearingly clumsy, overly apologetic botanist with ambitions of discovering a new species of fern.

— Air Mail, Air Mail, 5 Sep. 2026

Definition of apologetic

Adjective

Johnson wrote in a letter in the filing to the Illinois review board that Hoover is repentant and has the potential and the desire to live the rest of his life as a force for good in his community.

— Beatrice Peterson, ABC News, 22 Oct. 2025
Perry had been reluctant to engage with recovery groups in the past, which are often structured around repentant confessions.

— Katy Golvala, Hartford Courant, 4 Aug. 2025

Definition of repentant

Adjective

Lingerie brands across the industry entered a phase of penitent marketing.

— Jennifer Wilson, New Yorker, 7 Sep. 2026
Having your biggest look also be your most penitent is a bold move, but it’s girded by Rome having put in years of work and collected plenty of horror stories to reflect on.

— Dylan Green, Pitchfork, 17 July 2026