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
  • But he was plagued by guilt over his ancestor’s role in the trials, and felt compelled to explore themes of human character, greed, and social decay through his work.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 23 Oct. 2026
  • As Fielder’s initially firm belief in Holmes’ guilt and manipulative powers appears to waver, Seyfried wonders if Fielder is in some way falling for her.
    — Culture Critic, Los Angeles Times, 22 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 29 Oct. 2026.

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