contriteness

noun

as in remorse
a feeling of responsibility for wrongdoing his determination to make things right again was seen as a sign of his sincere contriteness

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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 contriteness Recently, however, pride has partly given way to contriteness as President Emmanuel Macron, aware of France’s legacy as a former heavy-handed empire, has attempted to make amends for mistakes during the country’s imperial past. — The Christian Science Monitor, Christian Science Monitor, 7 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contriteness
  1. remorse
  2. guilt
  3. regret
Noun
  • Prosecutors, who say the men haven’t expressed any remorse, have asked federal district judge Valerie Caproni to sentence all the men to life in prison.
    — Kara Scannell, CNN Money, 25 Oct. 2026
  • Jacobs spoke with reporters earlier this week, expressing remorse for his actions.
    — Ryan Morik OutKick, FOXNews.com, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of remorse
Noun
  • Through imposing guilt by association and collective punishments, the North Korean state has spent decades attenuating the relationships through which private anger might be converted into collective action.
    — Jieun Baek, Foreign Affairs, 30 Oct. 2026
  • But the main focus is Sanaa’s relationship with her late father and her guilt over how she may be connected to his crimes.
    — Oline H. Cogdill, Sun Sentinel, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of guilt
Noun
  • Kylian Mbappé Real Madrid Forward La Liga also issued an official statement expressing deep regret over the hurt caused to Chinese fans by Mbappé's remarks, adding that his personal views do not represent the Spanish league's position.
    — Matthew Tan, CNBC, 28 Oct. 2026
  • The university said officials had reached out to McAfee to express their appreciation and regret.
    — Stepheny Price OutKick, FOXNews.com, 27 Oct. 2026
Definition of regret

Browse Nearby Words

contrite
contriteness
contrition
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Cite this Entry

“Contriteness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contriteness. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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