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

Olivier tortured himself over her condition, remorseful and exhausted.

— Hadley Hall Meares, Vanity Fair, 21 Sep. 2026
Several artists said Ludlow, though remorseful about the festival’s outcome, failed to communicate updates about the cancellation beyond last-minute form letters.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of remorseful

Adjective

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
An apologetic Marks had to deliver the news to her royal friend that she was required to be with family for the last weeks of August, and would be unable to take the trip to Italy as planned.

— Allie Merriam, Vanity Fair, 1 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