CONTRITENESS Synonyms: 37 Similar and Opposite Words

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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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

Noun

Yet an outstanding cast, scripts that are perceptive about grief and remorse, and Hennie’s impressionistic directing more than make up for it.

— Judy Berman, Time, 8 July 2026
Metz’s attorneys could not be reached for comment on the sentencing, but during the hearing, Jones emphasized that Metz has taken responsibility for his negligence and has felt remorse every day since the shooting.

— Katie Langford, Denver Post, 7 July 2026

Definition of remorse

Noun

There are other options, but regardless of what’s on the table for the future, burnout deserves to be taken seriously rather than explained away out of pride, guilt, or habit.

— Scott Hanson, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
Crafted with better-for-you ingredients, Javvy's Instant Protein Coffee blend and viral Coffee Concentrate deliver guilt-free indulgence, offering craveable flavors without compromise.

— ABC News, ABC News, 2 July 2026

Definition of guilt

Noun

The weird, vaguely threatening statement doesn’t lay the groundwork for a productive night, so naturally the vibes are just all off as the boys hang, so much so that Christian regrets planning it altogether.

— Tom Smyth, Vulture, 9 July 2026
But the filmmaker proves more interested in interrogating that ethos than recreating it, and few horror mythologies are better suited to exploring betrayal and regret than one built around the refusal to let the dead remain dead.

— Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 8 July 2026

Definition of regret

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contrite

contriteness

contrition

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“Contriteness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contriteness. Accessed 11 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of contriteness

noun

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