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
  • Since then, fans have remained pretty confused about the purpose of their unique investment and the two comedians have confessed to feeling some serious buyer’s remorse.
    — Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Rabbi Joshua Davidson of Congregation Emanu-El, a Reform synagogue in New York, likewise said he was convinced by Galliano’s statements of remorse and his efforts to educate himself about Judaism and the Holocaust.
    — Andrew Silow-Carroll, Sun Sentinel, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of remorse
Noun
  • Many 9/11 first responders alive today feel as Sanchez does, more preoccupied with their survivor’s guilt than their own ailments.
    — Lila Dominus, CNN Money, 10 Sep. 2026
  • They are bound together not only by their shared grief, but also by the unspoken guilt and blame that Lux and Ella can only hope to expiate through each other.
    — David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 10 Sep. 2026
Definition of guilt
Noun
  • Knowing those stories and the people in them also passes on lessons learned involving grief, regret and forgiveness.
    — Carole Horst, Variety, 9 Sep. 2026
  • High-confidence, low-regret actions can graduate to constrained execution.
    — Abhirup Ghosh, Forbes.com, 9 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 13 Sep. 2026.

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