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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
  • In direct contradiction to Herzog, Zamir’s office stated that Azaria had never expressed sorrow or remorse about the killing.
    — Oren Liebermann, CNN Money, 20 Sep. 2026
  • Does something deep down, some latent remorse, urge them to speak out?
    — Siddhant Adlakha, IndieWire, 10 Sep. 2026
Definition of remorse
Noun
  • In the ad, Yang unloads on his therapist, played by comedienne Ana Gasteyer, about his guilt over gatekeeping a really fantastic beauty product from the group chat.
    — Irene Richardson, InStyle, 25 Sep. 2026
  • Unfortunately, this announcement means The Beast in Me, much like the characters in The Beast in Me, carries a dark guilt at its core.
    — Kathryn VanArendonk, Vulture, 25 Sep. 2026
Definition of guilt
Noun
  • At least one, Bill Gates, has expressed regret for his own methods.
    — Tom Huddleston Jr., CNBC, 22 Sep. 2026
  • To be sure, preserving room for joy can become harmful when treats interfere with other goals, produce debt, or leave behind regret and greater anxiety, Bryan-Podvin said.
    — Tatiana Sataua, Fortune, 20 Sep. 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 28 Sep. 2026.

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