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

Defense counsel Kalidass Murugayan said the student has been living in Singapore without family support and expressed deep remorse for his actions.

— CNN Money, CNN Money, 30 July 2026
Venus and Saturn are opposing each other in your money houses (exact on August 21), which looks like possible buyer’s remorse, but will more likely show up in interpersonal contexts where the mutual exchange isn’t actually very mutual.

— Steph Koyfman, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 July 2026

Definition of remorse

Noun

Diamond said there’s no doubt the Park Fire was a tragedy for many people, but that the prosecution did not prove her client’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

— Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 24 July 2026
The film is said to follow a repressed philosophy professor who has been grappling with lingering guilt over a decision from his past when the victim suddenly returns to his life.

— Zac Ntim, Deadline, 23 July 2026

Definition of guilt

Noun

There was so much depth to the story, as society has been dealing with the effects of loneliness, depression, feelings of regret, and the fear of being forgotten.

— Laura Sirikul, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026
An undated text message, reportedly sent months later, hinted at Hernandez’s possible regret.

— Kathleen Perricone, Entertainment Weekly, 27 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 1 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of contriteness

noun

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