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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
The Christian Science Monitor, Christian Science Monitor, 7 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contriteness
Noun
-
Fritz replied that the language of the letter showed empathy and remorse.—
Harriet Ramos,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
28 Apr. 2026
-
Matthew Harris, of Oakland, allegedly confessed in full to the Wells Fargo bank robbery, expressing remorse and blaming his addiction to fentanyl, authorities said.—
Nate Gartrell,
Mercury News,
25 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
An arrest does not constitute a finding of guilt.—
Steve Metsch,
Chicago Tribune,
1 May 2026
-
And grief is not the same as guilt.—
Christine Pelisek,
PEOPLE,
1 May 2026
Noun
-
His only regret from this first term is agreeing to use $5 million of American Rescue Plan Act money to renovate the Memorial Opera House.—
Shelley Jones,
Chicago Tribune,
1 May 2026
-
Kounalakis has no regrets about her decision.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
1 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Contriteness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contriteness. Accessed 8 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
