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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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
The Christian Science Monitor,
Christian Science Monitor,
7 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contriteness
Noun
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Fort Worth residents can now weigh in on the next steps in a transportation project that has caused headaches and buyer’s remorse in a changing neighborhood.
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The communication reportedly did not seek payment and included language expressing remorse, a detail experts say is unusual in genuine ransom demands.
Noun
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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.
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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.
Noun
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Sherriff, who debuted with the Cardinals in 2017, expressed regret at never pitching at Dodger Stadium, citing the cumulative toll of 13 years of uncertainty.
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Using 10,000 rocks, more than seventy-five 80-pound bags of concrete, and over $1,000 in supplies, Ruggie has no regrets about his 14-foot deck burned in a shou sugi ban style.
Cite this Entry
“Contriteness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contriteness. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
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